Non-anatomical influences on female athlete injury rates

Public project summary

Research investigates the underrepresentation of top female soccer players in recent World Cups due to a common major injury, revealing a significant gap in understanding female athlete injuries. While conventional explanations attribute higher injury rates to anatomical differences, the argument is made that vital non-anatomical factors are being overlooked. Existing literature exposes a pervasive lack of research on women's bodies in sports, hindering long-term solutions. Disproportionate injury rates, gender bias in sports equipment, and limited solutions emphasize the need for a more inclusive sports medicine approach. Using grounded theory and correlation research methodologies, the aim is to analyze existing data, particularly focusing on high school/college soccer athletes, to uncover relationships and contribute to effective solutions for reducing female athlete injury rates.