Women Soccer Athletes Research Articles

Seasonal Changes in Match Demands and Workload Distribution in Collegiate Soccer Across Two Seasons.

Floersch, S, Vidden, C, Askow, AT, Jones, MT, Fields, JB, and Jagim, AR. Seasonal changes in match demands and workload distribution in collegiate soccer across two seasons. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1440-1446, 2024-The purpose of this study was to examine seasonal changes in match demands in a collegiate women's soccer team. Forty-eight NCAA Division III women soccer athletes (age: 19.5 ± 1.2 years; height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 64.8 ± 7.4 kg; fat-free mass: 50.0 ± 4.5 kg; body fat %: 22.6 ± 6.0) were equipped with wearable global positioning systems with inertial sensors and heart rate (HR) monitors during matches throughout the 2019 (n = 22) and 2021 seasons (n = 26). Players were classified by position: flank player (FP; n = 28), center midfielder (CM; n = 11), and center back fielder (CB; n = 9) and as starters (S, n = 17) or reserves (R, n = 31). Variables included HR, training load, total distance, high-speed distance, distance per minute, and weighted distance. Differences in match and practice session demands were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with season (2 levels; 2019 and 2021) as a fixed factor, with alpha set to p = 0.05. Data across all matches and training sessions were collapsed and presented as mean ± SD for descriptive purposes and then grouped by session type (i.e., match or training) and position. Athletes traveled more distance at high speeds during match play in the 2021 season compared with 2019 (mean difference, 95% confidence intervals [CI]) (200, 95% CI: 104, 304 km; p < 0.05) but had a lower training load in 2021 compared with 2019 (-50, 95% CI: -63, -36; p < 0.05) during match play. For training sessions, mean HR (4, 95% CI: 2, 5 bpm), total distance (0.5, 95% CI: 0.4, 0.7), distance per minute (5.6, 95% CI: 4.5, 6.7 m·min-1), high-speed distance (43, 95% CI: 43, 18, 67 m), high accelerations (8.6, 95% CI: 5.4, 11.8 n), and high accelerations per minute (0.1, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.1 n·min-1) were all higher in 2021 compared with 2019 (p < 0.05). As a team, several differences in measures of external workload were found between seasons in both session types (training and matches). Variations in positional demands of match play appear to fluctuate by year.

Power, Endurance, and Body Composition Changes Over a Collegiate Career in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Women Soccer Athletes.

McFadden, BA, Bozzini, BN, Cintineo, HP, Hills, SP, Walker, AJ, Chandler, AJ, Sanders, DJ, Russell, M, and Arent, SM. Power, endurance, and body composition changes over a collegiate career in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women soccer athletes. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1428-1433, 2023-The purpose of this study was to determine longitudinal changes in fitness and body composition throughout athletes' 4-year collegiate soccer careers. Performance testing occurred before preseason during freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year in 17 female Division I soccer players. Body composition was assessed through air-displacement plethysmography to determine percent body fat (%BF), fat-free mass (FFM), and body mass (BM). Maximal countermovement vertical jump height was assessed through contact mat using arm swing (CMJ AS ) and hands-on-hips (CMJ HOH ) methods to calculate power (CMJ watts / HOHwatts ). Aerobic capacity (V̇ o2 max) and ventilatory threshold (VT) were assessed by indirect calorimetry during a maximal graded exercise test on a treadmill. Linear mixed models were used to assess changes across academic years ( p < 0.05). No changes occurred in %BF, BM, V̇ o2 max, VT, CMJ AS , or CMJ watts . A time main effect was seen for FFM ( p = 0.01) with increases from freshman to senior ( p = 0.02). Time main effects were observed for CMJ HOH ( p < 0.001) and CMJ HOHwatts ( p < 0.001) with increases from freshman to junior (CMJ HOH,p = 0.001; CMJ HOHwatts , p = 0.02) and senior (CMJ HOH , p < 0.001; CMJ HOHwatts , p = 0.003) as well as sophomore to senior (CMJ HOH , p < 0.001; CMJ HOHwatts , p = 0.02). Countermovement vertical jump with hands on hips also increased from sophomore to junior ( p = 0.005). The lower FFM and power capabilities as freshmen compared with upperclassman indicate a potential limited readiness. Coaches and training staff should account for these developmental differences when entering the preseason. Adequate conditioning programs before starting a collegiate program may help build a fitness foundation and prepare freshmen athletes to compete at the same level as their upperclassmen counterparts.

A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) in Soccer Analytics

The authors designed an honors seminar course entitled Sports Analytics: Soccer to provide students with a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) using cutting-edge GPS/accelerometer athlete-tracking devices. This paper offers details of the design and structure of the course, where a goal was for students to contribute to a longitudinal research project of performing a comprehensive performance and load analysis on Division III women's soccer athletes.

Perceptions Of Monitoring Techniques For Fatigue Used By Strength Coaches On NCAA Women's Soccer Players

NCAA Division II women soccer athletes may experience high levels of fatigue which can have a negative impact on their performance during competition. Although coaches agree that monitoring fatigue is an important element in program design, there is not one widely accepted fatigue measure used to monitor women’s soccer training. PURPOSE: To provide an investigation on the preferred mode of action by strength and conditioning coaches to reduce fatigue and increase performance of NCAA Division II women’s soccer players. METHODS: Eight (n = 8) head strength and conditioning coaches, two (n = 2) women’s soccer coaches, and eighteen (n = 18) women’s soccer players from the NCAA Division II PSAC participated in this retrospective qualitative case study from the fall 2019 semester. Strength and conditioning coaches and head women’s soccer coaches participated in a semi-structured interview while women’s soccer players completed an open-ended survey to share their insights to examine the current fatigue monitoring techniques utilized at the NCAA Division II level with all information subsequently analyzed thematically to code the data. RESULTS: All strength and conditioning coaches interviewed believed monitoring fatigue is important (100%) yet only a select number of coaches are currently implementing such fatigue monitoring techniques (38%). Of the fatigue techniques currently being implemented, the women’s soccer players believed the programs did help reduce fatigue (72%) and increase performance (78%). Thematic analysis of the barriers that strength and conditioning coaches face to implement a fatigue monitoring program were also identified which include limited staff, budget, and facilities at the NCAA Division II level. CONCLUSION: With the wide range of fatigue monitoring techniques available, selection and implementation of the most appropriate test based on the various factors at each specific university can provide an effective and productive system to garner the most out of each athlete during training and competition.

Session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) Load and Training Impulse Are Strongly Correlated to GPS-Derived Measures of External Load in NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Athletes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether session rating of perceived exertion-derived training load (sRPE-TL) correlates with GPS-derived measures of external load in National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I female soccer athletes. Methods: Twenty-one NCAA Division 1 collegiate women’s soccer athletes (11 starters, 10 non-starters; 65.1 ± 7.2 kg, 168.4 ± 7.9 cm, 20.3 ± 1.5 yrs) volunteered to take part in this study. Data for this study were collected over the course of 16 weeks during the 2018 NCAA women’s soccer season. External load and heart rate (HR) data were collected during each training session and match during the season. At least 30 min after the end of an activity (e.g., match or practice), athletes were prompted to complete a questionnaire reporting their perceived exertion for the session. sRPE-TL was calculated at the end of the season by multiplying perceived exertion by the respective session duration. Results: sRPE-TL was very strongly correlated with total distance, distance covered in velocity zones 1–3, the number of accelerations in zones 4 and 5, total PlayerLoad™, and PlayerLoad™. For internal load, sRPE-TL correlated very strongly (0.70 ≤ |r| < 0.90) with Edward’s and Bannister’s TRIMP and strongly (0.50 ≤ |r| < 0.70) with duration spent in in heart rate zones 5 and 6 (80–90% and 90–100% max HR, respectively) while correlations with maximum HR (bpm), mean HR (bpm), and mean HR (%) and sRPE-TL were moderate (0.30 ≤ |r| < 0.50). Conclusions: In NCAA Division I women soccer, sRPE-TL is strongly associated with external measures of workload. These relationships were stronger during match play, with acceleration load and total distance exhibiting the strongest relationship with sRPE-TL.

The Impact of Environmental Conditions on Player Loads During Preseason Training Sessions in Women's Soccer Athletes.

Austin, AB, Collins, SM, Huggins, RA, Smith, BA, and Bowman, TG. The impact of environmental conditions on player loads during preseason training sessions in women's soccer athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2775-2782, 2021-Our objective was to determine the impact of environmental conditions on player loads during preseason training sessions in women's soccer athletes. Eleven women's NCAA Division III soccer players (age = 20 ± 1 year, height = 167.28 ± 8.65 cm, body mass = 60.18 ± 5.42 kg, V̇o2max = 43.70 ± 3.95 ml·kg-1·min-1) volunteered to wear Global Positioning System (GPS) devices (Sports Performance Tracking, Melbourne, Australia) that provided measures of training session external intensity throughout all preseason practices (n = 15). We recorded wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), session Rating of Perceived Exertion-Training Load (sRPE-TL), and ΔBM during each preseason training session and set α ≤ 0.05. The combination of WBGT, sRPE-TL, and ΔBM explained 34% of the variance in GPS-based intensity score (proprietary measure) (F3,153 = 26.25, p < 0.001). Wet-bulb globe temperature (t156 = -2.58, p = 0.01), sRPE (t156 = 8.24, p < 0.001), and ΔBM (t156 = 2.39, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with intensity. The ΔBM from prepractice (60.00 ± 5.21 kg) to postpractice (59.61 ± 5.10 kg) was statistically significant (p < 0.001); however, ΔBM from the beginning of preseason (59.87 ± 5.31 kg) to the end of preseason (59.91 ± 5.58 kg) was not significant (p = 0.89). Despite relatively low to moderate environmental conditions, increases in WBGT were associated with reductions in GPS intensity and elevated internal load via sRPE-TL. Our findings support the association between exercise intensity and WBGT, internal load, and hydration status; thus, coaches and exercise scientists should take these factors into account when monitoring or interpreting intensity metrics. Furthermore, these findings support the continued use of environmental monitoring and hydration best-practice policies to limit exercise intensity in the heat so as to mitigate excessive heat stress.

대학 여자축구선수의 재활과정에 따른 심리적 변화와 극복전략: 근거이론적 접근

Purpose: This study aimed to discover psychological changes of female soccer athletes in college during the rehabilitation process for their successful recovery and seek solutions that can help them overcome their difficulties. Methods: The current research selected seven female soccer athletes registered in the College Women’s Soccer League who have had experiences of receiving rehabilitation from injury. The approach of Constructing Grounded Theory analyzed the obtained data through individual and focus group interviews. Result: Women soccer athletes had negative thoughts in the early stages of rehabilitation and at the same time experienced a cyclical psychological process in which they repeatedly put effort to think positive. In addition, they felt ambivalent feelings about their career. Their psychological changes in the middle of the rehabilitation process showed that the rehabilitation situation made them feel nervous, anxious, and pressured. However, they gradually gained confidence while recovering from injury and focused on their efforts to return. While they felt excited to return at the end of the rehabilitation process, the current study found ambivalent feelings derived from burden and pressure due to the anxiety about the recurrence. There were four dimensions to overcome difficulties as follows: 1) self-confidence improvement strategies and psychological overcoming such as positive thinking conversion; 2) physical overcoming such as training for return; 3) environmental support for professional programs to female athletes; and 4) social support from critical others. Conclusion: Female college soccer players went through various psychological changes in the rehabilitation process. We can see the conflict of ambivalent emotions that made them seriously consider their athletic careers. In the rehabilitation process, the psychological process of reducing or resolving the scope of these ambivalent emotions can serve as a vehicle to redefine one’s identity as an athlete. Therefore, professional sports psychological counseling and systematic support that contains the content based on this will be in need for athletes in the rehabilitation process.

Prevalence of Low Energy Availability in Collegiate Women Soccer Athletes.

(1) Background: Limited information exists on the prevalence of low energy availability (LEA) in collegiate team sports. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of LEA in collegiate women soccer players. (2) Methods: Collegiate women soccer athletes (n = 18, height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 65.3 ± 7.9 kg; body fat %: 24.9 ± 5.6%) had their body composition and sport nutrition knowledge assessed in the pre-season. Energy availability was assessed mid-season using a 4-day dietary log and activity energy expenditure values from a team-based monitoring system. A validated screening tool was used to screen for LEA. (3) Results: The screening tool classified 56.3% of athletes as at risk of LEA (<30 kcal/kg of FFM); however, the actual dietary intake identified 67% as LEA. Athletes identified as non-LEA consumed significantly more absolute (p = 0.040) and relative (p = 0.004) energy than LEA athletes. (4) Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of LEA among collegiate women soccer athletes. Although previously validated in women endurance athletes, the LEA screening tool was not effective in identifying those at risk of LEA in this sample of athletes.

Omega-3 Index Associated With Dietary Intake In NCAA Division 1 Collegiate Women Soccer Athletes

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients in supporting overall health. Omega-3 Index, a percentage of total fatty acids, is the sum of erythrocyte membrane DHA and EPA. This description of erythrocyte DHA+EPA is a standard measure of nutrient status. Previous research in NCAA Division 1 American football athletes (n=404) report mean Omega-3 Index was 4.4% ± 0.8% suggesting an omega-3 deficient status. Dietary habits can influence omega-3 status. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) are often utilized to represent DHA and EPA intake habits from reported dietary recalls. Recently, in pregnant women, an abbreviated 7-question FFQ assessing DHA and EPA intake was correlated with Omega-3 Index. However, its potential utility in female athletes has not been explored. Also, Omega-3 Index is unknown in women collegiate athletes. PURPOSE: To measure Omega-3 Index and assess dietary DHA and EPA intake using an abbreviated 7-question FFQ on a NCAA Division 1 collegiate women’s soccer team as well as investigate the association between respective measures. METHODS: 24 women soccer athletes, pre-season, completed abbreviated FFQ and provided Omega-3 Index blood collection sample. One drop of whole blood from a finger stick was collected by research group and analyzed by OmegaQuant Analytics, LLC (Sioux Falls, SD). Means and standard deviations were computed. Pearson correlations between Omega-3 Index and FFQ were determined. RESULTS: The mean Omega-3 index among all athletes was 4.3% ± 0.6%. Mean FFQ DHA and EPA intake was 84mg/d ± 61mg and 49mg/d ± 37mg respectively. The abbreviated FFQ was moderately correlated with Omega-3 Index (r=0.487, p=.016). CONCLUSIONS: Division 1 women soccer athletes’ Omega-3 Index are like previously reported American football athletes indicating a possible deficiency. Also, the abbreviated FFQ was correlated to Omega-3 Index suggesting it to be a possible predictor of omega-3 nutrient status in an athlete population. Lastly, these reported Omega-3 Index and FFQ findings in women soccer athletes suggest inadequate dietary intake of DHA and EPA to support overall health.

The Association between Dietary Protein Intake Frequency, Amount, and State of Energy Balance on Body Composition in a Women's Collegiate Soccer Team

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess whether the amount and frequency of dietary protein intake, and the state of energy balance when consumed, are associated with body composition of collegiate women's soccer athletes.

Linear Acceleration in Direct Head Contact Across Impact Type, Player Position, and Playing Scenario in Collegiate Women's Soccer Players

Heading, an integral component of soccer, exposes athletes to a large number of head impacts over a career. The literature has begun to indicate that cumulative exposure may lead to long-term functional and psychological deficits. Quantifying an athlete's exposure over a season is a first step in understanding cumulative exposure. To measure the frequency and magnitude of direct head impacts in collegiate women's soccer players across impact type, player position, and game or practice scenario. Cross-sectional study. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institution. Twenty-three collegiate women's soccer athletes. Athletes wore Smart Impact Monitor accelerometers during all games and practices. Impacts were classified during visual, on-field monitoring of athletic events. All direct head impacts that exceeded the 10 g threshold were included in the final data analysis. The dependent variable was linear acceleration, and the fixed effects were (1) type of impact: clear, pass, shot, unintentional deflection, or head-to-head contact; (2) field position: goalkeeper, defense, forward, or midfielder; (3) playing scenario: game or practice. Shots (32.94 g ± 12.91 g, n = 38; P = .02) and clears (31.09 g ± 13.43 g, n = 101; P = .008) resulted in higher mean linear accelerations than passes (26.11 g ± 15.48 g, n = 451). Head-to-head impacts (51.26 g ± 36.61 g, n = 13; P < .001) and unintentional deflections (37.40 g ± 34.41 g, n = 24; P = .002) resulted in higher mean linear accelerations than purposeful headers (ie, shots, clears, and passes). No differences were seen in linear acceleration across player position or playing scenario. Nonheader impacts, including head-to-head impacts and unintentional deflections, resulted in higher mean linear accelerations than purposeful headers, including shots, clears, and passes, but occurred infrequently on the field. Therefore, these unanticipated impacts may not add substantially to an athlete's cumulative exposure, which is a function of both frequency and magnitude of impact.

A Proposed Mechanism for Development of CTE Following Concussive Events: Head Impact, Water Hammer Injury, Neurofilament Release, and Autoimmune Processes.

During the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in early diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The subjects involved range from soldiers exposed to concussive injuries from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to a significant number of athletes involved in repetitive high force impacts. Although the forces from IEDs are much greater by a magnitude than those from contact sports, the higher frequency associated with contact sports allows for more controlled assessment of the mechanism of action. In our study, we report findings in university-level women soccer athletes followed over a period of four and a half years from accession to graduation. Parameters investigated included T1-, T2-, and susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance images (SWI), IMPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), and C3 Logix behavioral and physiological assessment measures. The MRI Studies show several significant findings: first, a marked increase in the width of sulci in the frontal to occipital cortices; second, an appearance of subtle hemorrhagic changes at the base of the sulci; third was a sustained reduction in total brain volume in several soccer players at a developmental time when brain growth is generally seen. Although all of the athletes successfully completed their college degree and none exhibited long term clinical deficits at the time of graduation, the changes documented by MRI represent a clue to the pathological mechanism following an injury paradigm. The authors propose that our findings and those of prior publications support a mechanism of injury in CTE caused by an autoimmune process associated with the release of neural proteins from nerve cells at the base of the sulcus from a water hammer injury effect. As evidence accumulates to support this hypothesis, there are pharmacological treatment strategies that may be able to mitigate the development of long-term disability from TBI.

Analysis of Gauntlet Test Performance and Injury Risk in Intercollegiate Division I Female Soccer (Football) Players: A Retrospective Study.

Injury risk factors and relevant assessments have been identified in women's soccer athletes. Other tests assess fitness (eg, the Gauntlet Test [GT]). However, little empirical support exists for the utility of the GT to predict time loss injury. To examine the GT as a predictor of injury in intercollegiate Division I female soccer athletes. Retrospective, nonexperimental descriptive cohort study. College athletic facilities. 71 female Division I soccer athletes (age 19.6 ± 1.24 y, BMI 23.0 ± 2.19). GT, demographic, and injury data were collected over 3 consecutive seasons. GT trials were administered by coaching staff each preseason. Participation in team-based activities (practices, matches) was restricted until a successful GT trial. Soccer-related injuries that resulted in time loss from participation were recorded. 71 subjects met the inclusion criteria, with 12 lower body time loss injuries sustained. Logistic regression models indicated that with each unsuccessful GT attempt, the odds of sustaining an injury increased by a factor of 3.5 (P < .02). The Youden index was 2 GT trials for success, at which sensitivity = .92 and specificity = .46. For successive GT trials before success (1, 2, or 3), the predicted probabilities for injury were .063, .194, and .463, respectively. The GT appears to be a convenient and predictive screen for potential lowerbody injuries among female soccer athletes in this cohort. Further investigation into the appropriate application of the GT for injury prediction is warranted given the scope of this study.

Validity of Urine Specific Gravity When Compared With Plasma Osmolality as a Measure of Hydration Status in Male and Female NCAA Collegiate Athletes

Sommerfield, LM, McAnulty, SR, McBride, JM, Zwetsloot, JJ, Austin, MD, Mehlhorn, JD, Calhoun, MC, Young, JO, Haines, TL, and Utter, AC. Validity of urine specific gravity when compared with plasma osmolality as a measure of hydration status in male and female NCAA collegiate athletes. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2219-2225, 2016-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the response of urine specific gravity (Usg) and urine osmolality (Uosm) when compared with plasma osmolality (Posm) from euhydration to 3% dehydration and then a 2-hour rehydration period in male and female collegiate athletes. Fifty-six National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) wrestlers (mean ± SEM); height 1.75 ± 0.01 m, age 19.3 ± 0.2 years, and body mass (BM) 78.1 ± 1.8 kg and 26 NCAA women's soccer athletes; height 1.64 ± 0.01 m, age 19.8 ± 0.3 years, and BM 62.2 ± 1.2 kg were evaluated. Hydration status was obtained by measuring changes in Posm, Uosm, Usg, and BM. Male and female subjects dehydrated to achieve an average BM loss of 2.9 ± 0.09% and 1.9 ± 0.03%, respectively. Using the medical diagnostic decision model, the sensitivity of Usg was high in both the hydrated and dehydrated state for males (92%) and females (80%). However, the specificity of Usg was low in both the hydrated and dehydrated states for males (10 and 6%, respectively) and females (29 and 40%, respectively). No significant correlations were found between Usg and Posm during either the hydrated or dehydrated state for males or females. Based on these results, the use of Usg as a field measure of hydration status in male and female collegiate athletes should be used with caution. Considering that athletes deal with hydration status on a regular basis, the reported low specificity of Usg suggests that athletes could be incorrectly classified leading to the unnecessary loss of competition.

Risk Factors for Concussion in Collegiate NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Soccer Athletes

Risk Factors for Concussion in Collegiate NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Soccer Athletes

Anthropometric Profile and Rate of Sweating in Women Soccer Athletes

Soccer is a sport that arouses most interest in young people, adults and elderly of both sexes. Soccer requires intense energy expenditure during practice, games and competitions, including quick race, explosion, endurance training, jumping, strength and flexibility exercises. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric profile and determine sweating rate (SR) and risk of dehydration percentage in women Soccer athletes. Anthropometric data was collected regarding weight, height and three skinfolds, and from these the body mass index and body fat percentage were calculated. 15 Soccer players female, who had averaged 26.1 (2.9) years, 61.8 (8.0) kg and 162.2 (5.1) cm participated. The BMI was 23.5 (3.1) kg/m2 and 28.5% G (3,7), classifying them as eutrophic with body fat excess. The hydration status after competitive training, we obtained SR 0.3 (0.1) L/h and Water Déficit (WD) 0.5% (0.2)%. Thus, despite the low risk of dehydration rehydration no specific recommendations were found, and shall remain the guidance of weighing before and after to situation water monitoring, in view of the adverse weather conditions for the competitive practice in a tropical climate country.

Rates and Determinants of Return to Play after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Division I College Women Soccer Athletes: A Study of the Southeastern Conference

Objectives:We sought to determine the overall return to play (RTP) rate of female collegiate soccer athletes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Additionally, we examined particular athlete related and surgical technique related variables as they correlated to RTP. We hypothesized that RTP after ACL reconstruction would be higher than previously published results and that it would be independent of graft type utilization or surgical techniques employed.Methods:Head team physicians and athletic training staff of the 14 institutions of the SEC were contacted to request participation in the study. All institutions were sent information regarding the nature of the study, a standardized spreadsheet with standardized response choices for the purpose of data collection from the participating institutions, and instructions regarding athlete inclusion criteria. The spreadsheet provided queried certain athlete and technical surgical related variables for ACL reconstructions performed at the participating institutions over the previous 8 years (2005-2013).Results:All 14 of the SEC institutions chose to participate and provided data. 79 reconstructions were reported with RTP data available for 78 women soccer athletes. Overall RTP rate was 84.6%. There was statistical significance in RTP rates favoring athletes in earlier years of eligibility versus later years (p<0.05). Athletes in eligibility years 4 and 5 combined had a RTP rate of 40%. Scholarship status likewise showed statistical significance (p<0.001) favoring RTP rate for scholarship athletes (91%) vs. non-scholarship athletes (45.5%). Athlete position (p=0.242) and depth chart status (p=0.110) showed no significant effect on RTP. In examining surgery specific variables; RTP rate for autograft (87.9%), allograft (75%), and combined graft (50%) demonstrated no difference (p=0.218). RTP rates were similar for the two most commonly used grafts: patellar tendon autograft and hamstring autograft (p=0.186). Femoral tunnel drilling technique showed no effect (p=0.725) on RTP rate for transtibial, accessory medial portal, or two incision techniques. When comparing multiple graft fixation constructs on both the femoral and tibial side, no difference was observed as it relates to RTP. RTP in isolated ACL reconstruction (77.3%) versus ACL reconstruction with concomitant procedures (88.9%) showed no difference. For players undergoing revision ACL reconstruction versus primary, RTP rate was 77.3% and 87.3% respectively, without significant difference (p=0.499).Conclusion:Of Division I collegiate women soccer athletes undergoing ACL reconstruction, overall RTP rate approaches 85%. Undergoing ACL reconstruction earlier in the college career before the 4th year of eligibility as well as the presence of a scholarship had a positive effect on RTP. Surgical factors including graft type, fixation methods, tunnel placement technique, concomitant knee surgery, and revision status played showed no significant effect on RTP rate.

Validity of Soccer Injury Data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Injury Surveillance System

Few validation studies of sport injury-surveillance systems are available. To determine the validity of a Web-based system for surveillance of collegiate sport injuries, the Injury Surveillance System (ISS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA). Validation study comparing NCAA ISS data from 2 fall collegiate sports (men's and women's soccer) with other types of clinical records maintained by certified athletic trainers. A purposive sample of 15 NCAA colleges and universities that provided NCAA ISS data on both men's and women's soccer for at least 2 years during 2005-2007, stratified by playing division. A total of 737 men's and women's soccer athletes and 37 athletic trainers at these 15 institutions. The proportion of injuries captured by the NCAA ISS (capture rate) was estimated by comparing NCAA ISS data with the other clinical records on the same athletes maintained by the athletic trainers. We reviewed all athletic injury events resulting from participation in NCAA collegiate sports that resulted in 1 day or more of restricted activity in games or practices and necessitated medical care. A capture-recapture analysis estimated the proportion of injury events captured by the NCAA ISS. Agreement for key data fields was also measured. We analyzed 664 injury events. The NCAA ISS captured 88.3% (95% confidence interval = 85.9%, 90.8%) of all time-lost medical-attention injury events. The proportion of injury events captured by the NCAA ISS was higher in Division I (93.8%) and Division II (89.6%) than in Division III (82.3%) schools. Agreement between the NCAA ISS data and the non-NCAA ISS data was good for the majority of data fields but low for date of full return and days lost from sport participation. The overall capture rate of the NCAA ISS was very good (88%) in men's and women's soccer for this period.

Negotiating Gender/Race/Class Constraints in the New South Africa

This study contributes to the emerging international literature on women’s soccer by exploring how South African women are negotiating material and ideological constraints to participate in the historically masculine sport of football. Special attention is given to situating athletes’ micro-level experiences within macro-level social structures, including the material legacies of colonialism and apartheid. This analysis is based on a multi-methods approach that includes interview, survey, documentary, and observational data collected during 1999 and 2000. Theoretically, this analysis draws upon various frameworks characteristic of feminist sport literatures as well as theoretical insights of Black feminists writing within and beyond Southern Africa. The findings show that a strong ethic of care within the women’s soccer community and strategies of creative resistance in the everyday lives of South African women soccer athletes are central to challenging exclusionary practices in soccer. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.

Sports Injuries and Oral Contraceptive Use

Unlike men women experience a regular endocrine cycle each month. Some research indicates that physical efficiency in women may be low premenstrually. Further hormonal fluctuations may increase the risk of injury during the menstrual cycle. In addition the risk of injury increases in the period prior to menopause. Since oral contraceptives (OCs) suppress activities of the pituitary gland hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle are altered which may in turn reduce the risk of injury. Moreover since women athletes often experience amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea OCs may prevent bone loss which is common in amenorrheic or oligomenorrheic women. Thus Ocs would likely result in less bone stress and traumatic fractures as experienced by women athletes who are amenorrheic or oligomenorrheic and do not take OCs. Further a study in Sweden shows that women soccer athletes who used OCs experienced significantly fewer traumatic sports injuries than nonusers (51.5% vs. 88.2%). Moreover menstrual blood loss is minimal in women taking OCs and the hemoglobin level is higher than that of nonusers. In addition anaerobic working time for muscles increases muscle injuries. So optimal oxygen transport in OC users provides more aerobic working time for muscles which should benefit physical performance. Pregnant women experience higher levels of estrogen than do nonpregnant women. These higher levels influence ligament laxity. So if women athletes especially gymnasts increase their estrogen levels by taking OCs they could in theory improve ligament laxity and joint capsules. Not enough studies have been conducted to substantiate these theories however. Further research is encouraged.