FIFA-Funded Study Probes Menstrual Cycle, ACL Injury Link

FIFA is funding a year-long study at Kingston University in the UK to examine whether hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle contribute to the high rate of serious ACL injuries among female footballers. The research, prompted by a rise in such injuries among top players like Sam Kerr, Beth Mead, and Vivianne Miedema, is led by PhD student Blake Rivers and a team of sports science experts. The study will analyze blood hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, and cross-reference them with physical performance and injury data. Footballers from clubs including Chelsea and Fulham will regularly visit the campus for testing. The goal is to identify correlations between menstrual cycle phases, ligament laxity, and neuromuscular reaction times to inform individualized training and reduce injury risk. The findings could have significant implications for women's sports medicine and future injury prevention strategies.