Female Sports Research Articles

Sport, Choice and Social Class: Reading Indian Female Sports Life Writings

Sports form a continuous part of any culture, created and sustained for entertainment, pleasure, competition and bonding; founded on certain standards, interests, requirements, and resources of the sports community. Yet, the classification of some sports as ‘elite’ goes unrecognised simply because it appears to be natural and moreover it is always ‘how things are’. Traditional theories of class indicate that economic differentiation is the reason for various choices in the society. On the other hand Bourdieu has suggested that economic capital is not the only element influencing one’s choice and there are other multiple non-economic criteria too. Taking into account Bourdieu’s class concepts we seek to identify the non-economic factors that have led sportspersons in India to their choice of sport. Narrative analysis is performed for autobiographies of two female sportspersons, Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom, to highlight the different parameters that have influenced their choice of sport. The identification of such non-economic factors like a person’s mental strength, level of angst, resilience, emotional and financial well-being, and others, provide insight into the stratifications that impact sports culture in India.

Show Her the Money

Female-founded businesses struggle to attract private investment but seem to attract more within the sport industry. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine this discrepancy and determine what factors contribute to private funding of female-owned sport businesses. This study examined 440 female-founded sport-related businesses with a founding date between 2010-2020 from the Crunchbase database. There was $2.21 billion invested into 207 female-founded sport companies during the identified period. Using multiple logistic regression and signaling theory, results of the study suggest that female founders in sport should focus capital acquisition efforts on revenue-generating business models and successfully pitching investors, as this leads to greater funding. Social network analysis indicates that the investing environment for female sport businesses is loosely connected with a potential role for start-up accelerators. This study helps to further understand the investment environment surrounding women-owned businesses in sport.

Equal Effects of Low- and Moderate-Volume Supplementary Plyometric Training on Sprint, Change of Direction Ability, and Lower-Limb Power in Preadolescent Female Handball Players

Background: This study compared the effects of low- and moderate-volume supplementary plyometric training in preadolescent female handball players. Methods: Thirty-nine preadolescent handball players (age: 12.9 ± 0.5 years, maturity offset: −1.50 ± 0.56 years) were randomly assigned into three groups: low-volume plyometric training group (LPT, n = 12); moderate-volume plyometric training group (MPT, n = 15); and control group (CG, n = 12). The supplementary plyometric training program was performed twice per week for 10 weeks, along with normal training (3 times/week). Each supplementary session included two upper- and three lower-body exercises performed for two sets (LPT, 36–54 foot contacts, duration 12 min) or four sets (MPT, 72–108 foot contacts, duration 24 min). The CG performed technical handball drills for 20 min. Results: Compared with the control group, both LPT and MPT resulted in similar improvements in modified T-test performance (15.1% and 18.6%, p < 0.01, respectively); linear sprint performance over 5, 10, and 20 m (between 5.1% and 8.8%, p = 0.02 to 0.001); countermovement jump (28.0% and 22.1%, p < 0.05, respectively); and standing long jump (12.6% and 12.5%, p = 0.024, respectively). Handgrip strength and overarm shot ball velocity improved similarly in all groups (CG, MPT, and LPT), by 8–11% (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Very-low-volume supplementary plyometric training performed for 12 min per session for two sessions per week results in considerable improvements in running speed, change of direction ability, and leg power and is as effective as a moderate-volume program. These findings are important for pre-adolescent female team sports players, who may benefit from a minimal but effective supplementary training, resulting in large benefits in leg speed and power.

Triad of female athletes

The female sports triad is a spectrum of dysfunctions related to energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mineral density. Energy availability is considered the trigger for the triad. Scientists have proven that women who do sports consume approximately 30% less energy and carbohydrates in relation to their body weight. Sufficient energy availability ensures the presence of a menstrual cycle, directly affects the stimulation of the production of female sex hormones (estrogen in particular). Thus, it prevents resorption of bone tissue. When energy availability is too low, a physiological mechanism reduces the amount of energy used for cell maintenance, thermoregulation, growth, and reproductive function. This compensation tends to restore energy balance and promotes survival, but impairs health. Low body weight in women of reproductive age, particularly in adolescence and the first reproductive age, is a biological marker of somatic and reproductive dysfunction. Osteoporosis in young female athletes is manifested by fractures unusual for young women or by frequent and multiple bone fractures during an athletic career. In this review article, an analytical review of literary and informational sources regarding the history of research on the problem of the triad of female athletes is carried out. The specifics of the negative impact of the athlete triad on the female body, the components of the athlete triad (amenorrhea, eating disorders, and osteoporosis) are examined in detail. The article focuses on its main cause - energy imbalance. The impact of the triad of female athletes on the psyche and behavior is considered. The question of its consequences for health both in the short-term and in the long-term perspective is considered. The prevention of RED-S syndrome was also investigated. The purpose of the study: Systematization of current knowledge about the triad of female athletes (relative energy deficiency syndrome (RED-S)). Research methods. Theoretical analysis of literary sources, systematization, generalization of scientific-methodical and special literature.

Selected Determinants of Diet Health Quality among Female Athletes Practising Team Sports.

This study's aim was an analysis regarding selected determinants of diet health quality in a group of elite Polish female team sport players. Relationships were assessed between age, sport experience, personal resources and personality traits with regard to the Big Five model and the pro-Health (pHDI-10) and non-Healthy (nHDI-14) Diet Indices. This study was conducted among 181 women (median age-25 years; sport experience-7 years) with the use of the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire (KomPAN), Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC-B) and NEO-PI-R personality inventory. Statistical analysis was carried out via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskal-Wallis's ANOVA, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and forward stepwise regression at a significance level of α = 0.05. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the value of the pro-Health Diet Index (pHDI-10) was positively explained by professional experience and extraversion, while negatively by openness to experiences (12% of the pHDI-10 variance). In turn, a higher value of the non-Healthy Diet Index (nHDI-14) was associated with the discipline of basketball (2% of the nHDI-14 variance). In summary, the demonstrated diet health quality was low and the predictive significance of competitive experience as well as type of discipline and selected personality traits was exhibited for diet quality among female team sport players.

Comparison of anxiety levels of individual and group athletes

The study of anxiety, particularly its relationship to sociodemographic variables, has been fruitful in sport psychology research. This study aims to determine the comparison of athletes' anxiety with the variables of gender differences and the type of sport played (individual/group). The application of structural equation modeling has been carried out on 80 Indonesian athletes. Of this number, 40 (50%) are female athletes and 40 (50%) are male athletes. They compete in a variety of individual sports (swimming, rock climbing; 50%) and team sports (basketball, volleyball; 50%). Athletes' ages ranged from 20-25 years (M = 22 years; SD = 4.99). After testing the measurement invariance of the first- and second-order models, across gender and sport type (individual vs. team), latent mean comparisons were investigated and statistics were calculated to obtain appropriate effect sizes. Significant differences were detected between male and female athletes as well as between individual and team sports. Female and individual sports athletes have higher levels of general sports anxiety. The results of this study provide evidence that anxiety is assessed differently by athletes based on gender and type of sport. Keywords: Athlete anxiety; gender differences in sports; individual vs. team sports; sports psychology research; structural equation modeling in sports;

Conforming to reforming: A systems understanding of aesthetic sport coaches’ behaviors and practices toward female athletes’ bodies

Coaches’ role in athletes’ eating pathology has been largely understood according to athletes’ accounts of the coaching behaviors and practices that harmed them. Uniquely, this study engaged coaches as research participants to more fully inform future intervention efforts. Using a multiparadigm approach, this study explored how coaches’ understood, constructed, and communicated sport-related body ideals with their female athletes through specific coaching behaviors and practices along with systems of influence and interaction that informed them. Ten coaches (Mage= 35.6) of female aesthetic sport athletes were interviewed. Data were analysed via interpretive description. Results indicated coaches’ negative experiences as athletes themselves informed their intention to prevent harm with athletes they coached. Coaches nonetheless emphasized weight, shape, size, and appearance ideals steeped in sport tradition. Dissonance was salient between wanting to prevent harm using strategic approaches to body-related communication, while also reinforcing body ideals believed to promote high performance. Yet, neither athletes’ performance goals nor prevention of harm were attained. Influences across coaches’ ecosystems explained their behaviors and practices. A novel framework is proposed to describe five intersectional body ideal orientations embodied by the coaches, ranging from body ideal conformity to body diversity advocacy. This framework can inform coach-centered, systems-based education and research.

Prevalence and Experience of Urinary Incontinence Among Elite Female Gaelic Sports Athletes.

This study was aimed at identifying the prevalence and experience of urinary incontinence (UI) among elite female Gaelic sports athletes in Ireland. A cross-sectional study comprising an anonymous online survey of elite Gaelic sports (Camogie and Ladies Gaelic Football) players. Players were asked about their background information, knowledge of the pelvic floor and practice of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), as well as their experiences of UI. The prevalence and severity of UI was assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-UI Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors. A total of 185 players responded (25 ± 5years) and 95.3% (n = 176) were nulliparous. Forty-one percent (n = 75) of players had learned about PFMT and 13% (n = 24) had performed PFMT within the last 4 weeks. The ICIQ-UI-SF was completed by 159 players, with UI reported by 61.6% (n = 98), 52% (n = 51) of whom experienced stress urinary incontinence (SUI). A significant association was found between UI and longer weekly sporting activity time (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.008). Parous players were more likely to experience UI (p = 0.025). Jumping and sprinting activities were the most commonly reported triggers, with pre-voiding and wearing protection (liners, pads) the most commonly adopted UI management strategies. Only ten players reported receiving treatment for UI. Urinary incontinence is prevalent among this cohort of elite female Gaelic sports athletes. Many players used strategies to manage their UI whereas few sought help for what is a treatable condition. Findings suggest the need for education of players regarding pelvic floor health and treatment options available.

Baseline Symptoms and Neurocognitive Performance Across Collision, Contact, and Non-Contact Female High School Athletes.

Our purpose was to represent a rare cohort of female collision sport athletes and investigate the association between sport type (collision, contact, non-contact), symptoms, and performance on baseline neurocognitive assessments. We conducted a cross-sectional study using baseline computerized neurocognitive scores (ImPACT) of 75,128 female high school student-athletes (age: 15.27 ± 1.05 years) playing multiple sports. The dependent variables were verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, reaction time, and total symptom score. The independent variable was sport type, categorized as collision, contact, non-contact, adjusted for the effect of the following co-variables: age, concussion history, and comorbidities (learning disability, ADHD, psychiatric condition, headaches, migraines, speech therapy, special education, and repeating one of more years of school) using multivariable regression models. Female collision sport athletes reported significantly higher symptoms (9.81 ± 12.63) at baseline compared to contact (5.78 ± 9.25) or non-contact (6.39 ± 9.74) sport athletes (p < 0.001). Using non-contact sports as a reference, there was no significant association between collision sport participation and cognitive composite scores (verbal memory: β = -0.57, 95% confidence interval: -1.80, 0.66, p = 0.38; visual memory: β = -0.83, 95% confidence interval: -2.46, 0.79, p = 0.31; visual motor speed: β = -0.21, 95% confidence interval: -1.01, 0.59, p = 0.61; reaction time: β = 0.01, 95% confidence interval: -0.01, 0.02, p = 0.29). Participation in collision sports appears to be associated with baseline symptoms but not neurocognitive functioning among female adolescent athletes.

The Principal’s Problem: Anchoring Equity in an Exclusionary System

This paper, titled "The Principal’s Problem: Anchoring Equity in an Exclusionary System," offers a critical examination of the multifaceted challenges faced by school administrators in navigating an educational landscape marked by growing equity issues, safety concerns, and the mental health crisis among students. Drawing from the author's 35-year experience in various educational roles in Massachusetts, the critical situational analysis delves into the complexities of fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable school environment amid a youth mental healthcrisis, reactionary legislative demands, and a hostile, binary, social landscape. The first section of the paper emphasizes the evolving role of educators in addressing the emotional well-being and safety of students. It illustrates how external tragedies, such as student suicides and drug overdoses, directly impact school policies and practices. The author highlights systemic inequities, such as disparities in recognition and funding between male and female sports teams and the controversy over gender-specific graduation gown colors, illustrating the difficulties in upholding Title IX and fostering gender equality. The paper further explores the escalation ofgun violence and its profound impact on school safety protocols and legislation. It addresses the administrative burden of complying with a myriad of regulations aimed at ensuring student safety and emotional well-being, from bullying and gender identity to mental health and substance abuse. The first-person narrative critiques the overwhelming expectations placed on school administrators to act as both educational leaders and first responders in a socioeconomically diverse and politically charged environment. It argues for a more holistic approach to educational leadership, one that balances legal and moral obligations to protect free expression with the imperative to create a nurturing and inclusive school culture. The author posits that the real challenge lies in the practical implementation of these ideals.

The Principal’s Problem: Anchoring Equity in an Exclusionary System

This paper, titled "The Principal’s Problem: Anchoring Equity in an Exclusionary System," offers a critical examination of the multifaceted challenges faced by school administrators in navigating an educational landscape marked by growing equity issues, safety concerns, and the mental health crisis among students. Drawing from the author's 35-year experience in various educational roles in Massachusetts, the critical situational analysis delves into the complexities of fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable school environment amid a youth mental healthcrisis, reactionary legislative demands, and a hostile, binary, social landscape. The first section of the paper emphasizes the evolving role of educators in addressing the emotional well-being and safety of students. It illustrates how external tragedies, such as student suicides and drug overdoses, directly impact school policies and practices. The author highlights systemic inequities, such as disparities in recognition and funding between male and female sports teams and the controversy over gender-specific graduation gown colors, illustrating the difficulties in upholding Title IX and fostering gender equality. The paper further explores the escalation ofgun violence and its profound impact on school safety protocols and legislation. It addresses the administrative burden of complying with a myriad of regulations aimed at ensuring student safety and emotional well-being, from bullying and gender identity to mental health and substance abuse. The first-person narrative critiques the overwhelming expectations placed on school administrators to act as both educational leaders and first responders in a socioeconomically diverse and politically charged environment. It argues for a more holistic approach to educational leadership, one that balances legal and moral obligations to protect free expression with the imperative to create a nurturing and inclusive school culture. The author posits that the real challenge lies in the practical implementation of these ideals.

Comparative Analysis of Adaptations Progress in VO2max, Leg Power, and Agility among Male and Female Sports Science Students

The strength and conditioning program has emerged as a widely adopted, structured exercise intervention aimed at enhancing muscle strength, endurance, speed, power, flexibility, and physical function, all while mitigating the risk of injuries. Several studies, however, have assessed strength and conditioning interventions in general for sports science students at the university. Objectives: Therefore, this study aims to explore the differential effects of a strength and conditioning program incorporating a combination of Continuous Run (CR) and Circuit Training (CT) methods on VO2max, leg power, and agility applied to male and female sports science students. Material and Methods: Utilizing a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest setup spanning from July to October 2022, the study consisted of 8 microcycles (8 weeks) comprising 24 sessions, where each microcycle included 2 active rest days (recovery run). A total of 63 students with bachelor’s degrees in sports science who have recently enrolled as freshmen in the Faculty of Sports Science (n = 39 men; n = 24 women; aged = 18-20 years; mass (kg) man and women = 60 ± 7 and 51 ± 6, Height (cm) men and women = 172 ± 4 and 158 ± 3, and not trained athletes) were selected through purposive sampling and provided informed consent in the present study. Pre- and post-measurements were conducted using the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT), standing broad jump test, and the Illinois agility run test. Descriptive and inferential data analyses (differential pre and post-test using the Wilcoxon test) were performed using SPSS 25 software. Results: Our findings reveal significant improvements in VO2max and leg power following the implementation of a strength and conditioning program that combines circuit training with continuous running for males (from 35.76±5.94 to 41.99±5.35 and 2.175±0.23 to 2.30±0.25, respectively: P&lt;0.05). Meanwhile, for females, (25.97 ± 2.78 to 31.10 ± 3.09; 1.66±0.24 to 1.72±0.17; P&lt;0.05). However, the study does not identify a significant improvement in agility for both male and female participants (17.90±0.95 to 17.69±0.87; P&gt;0.05 and 20.13 ± 1.17 to 19.89 ± 1.19; P&gt;0.05). Conclusions: This investigation provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of an integrated strength and conditioning program using a combination of Continuous Run (CR) and Circuit Training (CT) methods on VO2max and Leg power, for both males and females. Although there were no significant improvements in agility for either males or females, there was an increase in overall averages. The results offer implications for optimizing physical performance and refining training protocols. Therefore, the combination of Continuous Run (CR), circuit training (CT), and Circuit Resistance Training (CRT) has proven to be a practical strategy for enhancing VO2max and leg power. This is particularly relevant for coaches seeking to diversify exercise variations that can be applied to sports science students in the future Keywords: Strength and Conditioning, Circuit Training, Continuous Run, VO2max, Leg Power, Agility, Sports Science Students

Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Implications for Hydration Testing in Combat Sports-Investigating Body Mass Loss and Biomarker Changes.

Combat sports athletes often undergo rapid body mass loss (BML), which presents health risks. Hydration testing has been proposed as a possible solution to reduce or eliminate rapid BML. However, combat sports athletes may exhibit distinct physiological characteristics due to repeated exposure to BML. Thus, traditional and emerging hydration biomarkers should be investigated to determine their potential suitability for field use in this cohort. This study examined whether BML can explain changes in serum and urine osmolality (SosmΔ, UosmΔ), tear osmolarity (TosmΔ), hematocrit (HctΔ), and urine-specific gravity (USGΔ) after mild-moderate passive dehydration. Biomarker reliability was also assessed across two trials. Fifteen male and female combat sports athletes (age: 26.3 ± 5.3 years, body mass: 67.7 ± 9.9 kg) underwent a sauna protocol twice (5-28 days apart) aiming for 4% BML. The average BML in Trials 1 and 2 was 3.0 ± 0.7%. Regression analysis revealed that BML explained HctΔ (R2 = 0.22, p = 0.009) but not SosmΔ (R2 = 0.11, p = 0.079) or other biomarkers. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were significant for all biomarkers except TosmΔ (ICC = 0.06, p = 0.37) and post-Tosm (ICC = 0.04, p = 0.42); post-Hct performed best (ICC = 0.82, p < 0.001). Contingency tables with post-Sosm (295 mOsm/kg) and post-USG (1.020) cutoffs revealed an 80% true negative rate (TNR) and a 62% true positive rate (TPR). Increasing the Sosm cutoff to 301 mOsm/kg decreased the TNR to 52% but increased the TPR to 83%. Although blood parameters were most sensitive to BML, they could only explain 11%-22% of biomarker variation. The typical USG cutoff misclassified 42% of athletes postdehydration, and reliability was generally poor-moderate. Alternative strategies should be pursued to manage rapid BML in combat sports.

ENERGY AND MACRONUTRIENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FEMALE SOCCER ATHLETES: WHAT SPORT PRACTITIONERS MIGHT BE INTERESTED TO KNOW

Female soccer sport is recently gaining popularity across the world. However, there remains little research on nutritional recommendations devoted to this group. This can pose a challenge for sports and health practitioners when conducting interventions in this group. A few authors suggested nutritional recommendations for energy and macronutrients close or similar to those used in males, usually around 7 – 12 g/kg/day for carbohydrates, 1.2 -1.7 g/kg/day for protein, 0.5 – 1 g/kg/day for fat and different resting energy expenditure formulas for energy. Still, these recommendations have not been made quite clear or at least emphasized for use amongst female soccer athletes, including the timing of these macronutrients before, during, and after training or competition. Noting the physiological and body composition differences between males and females, this review aims to explore available nutritional recommendations for female athletes so that they, coaches, and sports practitioners have a clear guide for adherence during training and intervention sessions.

A qualitative exploration of perceived challenges and opportunities in the implementation of injury prevention and management in amateur female sport.

Coaches, practitioners, and leadership in amateur female sport must navigate many obstacles in the pursuit of athlete availability and optimal performance. The present study aims to evaluate opportunities and challenges to both injury prevention and management in amateur female sport, as experienced by mixed-gender coaches, allied healthcare professionals, and general practitioners. Semi-structured virtual interviews of coaches, allied healthcare professionals, and general practitioners (N = 25), recruited via convenience snowball sample. Data transcribed verbatim with reflexive thematic analysis through a critical realism framework. Female-specific issues, education, and resource capital were challenges to the implementation of injury prevention and management in amateur female sport, thus negatively impacting on performance, prevention, and rehabilitation. Opportunities for improved care for female athletes were developing communication and relationships, outsourcing responsibility, and providing greater education, in response to desires for such, and lastly exposure to elite sport and national governing bodies' protocols. In amateur female sport, developing communication pathways and relationships, along with upskilling coaches, can help better support female athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals. Leaders and stakeholders must advocate for and support greater education, resourcing, and an understanding of female-specific issues in amateur female sport. It is intended that these findings will provide evidence and opportunities for discourse between stakeholders in amateur female sport to improve standard of supports for female athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals. These findings may also help practitioners better exploit opportunities and circumvent challenges to improve the welfare and performance of amateur female athletes.

Reliability of lower limb strength assessment in female team sport athletes

BackgroundLower limb injury rates have increased dramatically in line with increased female sport participation levels. Muscle strength is a modifiable lower limb injury risk factor, guiding performance monitoring and rehabilitation. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of isokinetic and isometric lower limb peak torque to body mass of muscles acting on the hip, knee, and ankle in female team sport athletes. It was hypothesised the test-retest reliability would be good (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ≥ 0.75). MethodsThirty-eight female athletes (Australian Rules Football = 18, netball = 12, soccer = 8) aged 16–35 years participated in this study. Participants performed isokinetic (60°/s and 120°/s) and isometric testing on a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer on three separate days. ResultsPoor to good reliability was demonstrated for all joint movements (ICC = 0.38–0.88) with small to moderate effect sizes (0.00–0.43) and typical errors (5.65–24.49). ConclusionDifferences in peak torque to body mass were observed between sessions one and two and/or one and three, demonstrating a learning effect. Therefore, three testing sessions, and/or the inclusion of a familiarisation session, is recommended for future assessments in populations unfamiliar with dynamometry.

Exploring the Motivations of Female Sports Spectators in Taiwan: Implications of Measuring the Motives of Female Consumers at Sporting Events

Exploring the Motivations of Female Sports Spectators in Taiwan: Implications of Measuring the Motives of Female Consumers at Sporting Events

The Menstrual Health Manager (MHM): A Resource to Reduce Discrepancies Between Science and Practice in Sport and Exercise.

Inadequate research on female health and performance; the complexity of the research; low menstrual health literacy of athletes, coaches, and support staff; and ethical and cultural sensitivities are all recognized as barriers to effective health monitoring for females in sports. Frameworks have been developed for academics to follow to help improve the quality of female-specific research. However, a similar resource that enables correct terminology, and use of health monitoring techniques has not been provided for sporting organizations, coaches, support staff or athletes. Therefore, this critical commentary presents a new resource, the Menstrual Health Manager. This resource may be used to determine the level of menstrual health monitoring detail that may be used by organisations, coaches or athletes, and specifies what reproductive health details the data will provide. This resource aims to provide organizations and coaches with a means of understanding the data that inform their decisions for female athletes. Utilization of this resource may aid in the consistent use of terminology and methods for female-specific health monitoring in both sports and research.

U.S. youth sports participation: analyzing the implications of generation, gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and family and community sport cultures

ABSTRACT Using data from the National Sports and Society Survey (N = 3,993), this study described and analyzed U.S. adults’ reports of their youth sports experiences. We considered patterns in ever having played a sport regularly while growing up, ever having played an organized sport, and then relative likelihoods of having never played an organized sport, played and dropped out of organized sports, or played an organized sport continually while growing up. We used binary and multinomial logistic regressions to assess the relevance of generational, gender, racial/ethnic, socioeconomic status, and family and community sport culture contexts for youth sports participation experiences. Overall, the findings highlight general increases in ever playing organized sports and ever playing organized sports and dropping out across generations. Increasing levels of female sports participation, emerging disparities by socioeconomic statuses, and the continual salience of family and community cultures of sport for participation are also striking.

A Pilot Survey Study of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female University Athletes.

Introduction Female sports players are at increased risk of soft tissue knee injuries (STKIs) compared to their male counterparts. Injury prevention programs effectively reduce the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injuries. This pilot study, therefore, aimed to examine the prevalence, type, and management of STKIswithin a population of female university sports players at the University of Cambridge. Additionally, this study aimed to examine the perceived risk of ACL injuries and knowledge of long-term complications, alongside participation and attitudes towards injury prevention programs. Methodology A survey was distributed to women's university sports teams at the University of Cambridge. Information was gathered on participant demographics and sporting history. Relevant medical history, including joint laxity, connective tissue disorders, and previous knee injuries, was also collected. Participant involvement in and attitudes towards injury prevention programs were evaluated. Results Data from eighty-five participants (n = 85) were collected, all of whom were female. Forty-two percent of participants had sustained a previous knee injury, of which the majority (44%) were ACL injuries. In the ACL-injured group, 38% (n=6) had undergone ACL reconstructive surgery, 44% (n=7) had received only physiotherapy, and 19% (n=3) had received no form of treatment. Only 44% of these participants sustaining an ACL injury reported a return to the same level of post-injury sport. Seventy-two percent of respondents felt they were at increased risk of ACL injury compared to males. Most participants (87%) did not follow an injury prevention program, but 95% expressed a willingness to enroll in one. Conclusions This pilot study indicates that most knee injuries in female university athletes in this cohort at Cambridge University are ACL injuries, with a considerable number being managed conservatively. The low rate of return to pre-injury sporting levels highlights the significant impact of ACL injuries on athletic careers. This study demonstrates results similar to previous studies on the broader population. However, due to the pilot nature of the research and limited statistical power, the results should be interpreted with caution before transposing to the wider population. Further investigation is required into why many of these ACL-injured female athletes were managed conservatively and whether this finding is mirrored in their male counterparts. Despite recognizing their higher risk than males, participants displayed low engagement in injury prevention programs, indicating a gap between awareness and action. The willingness to participate in prevention programs suggests the potential for improved engagement through targeted interventions. Future research should focus on identifying and addressing specific barriers to participation in injury prevention programs and exploring the reasons behind the preference for conservative management of ACL injuries. Additionally, expanding the sample size and including a more diverse athletic population would enhance the generalizability of the findings.