Abstract
Female soccer players face a higher risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, with recovery time averaging nine months at elite levels. Most of these injuries are non-contact, and factors such as hormonal fluctuations and footwear options have been identified, yet the lack of comprehensive data hinders effective injury prevention strategies. To bridge this gap, the POP pilot surveys were designed to assess the feasibility of a more extensive study to identify trends and risk factors for lower extremity injuries among female soccer players. The first pilot survey, launched in October 2024 at the Athens Women’s Football Summit on a HIPAA-compliant anonymous platform, gathered responses from 120 female players aged 14–40 across various levels. Results indicated that 70.8% had experienced lower extremity injuries, predominantly ACL tears and ankle sprains. Many injured players wore men’s footwear, potentially contributing to their increased injury rates. The second survey was launched in November 2024 on a similar platform and targeted elite U.S. soccer clubs that included 100 participants aged 14–18. It found that 61% had sustained lower extremity injuries but highlighted better practices among non-injured players, who favored women-specific boots, tracked their menstrual cycles, and engaged in strength training. The findings of both surveys underscore the need for gender-specific footwear, improved strength training, and increased awareness of menstrual health among female athletes. Both surveys confirm the viability of conducting a larger study, with necessary modifications to boost statistical reliability and work toward reducing injury risks among female soccer players.
Presenters
Karli RichardsPodiatric Surgeon, Podiatry and Sports Medicine, Lexington Medical Center, South Carolina, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
ACL, Ankle Sprain, Injury Prevention in Female Soccer Players
