"I had not one, two, but three torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and all three happened during my period!" In an article for The Guardian, former US international Megan Rapinoe discussed the reciprocity between her ACL injuries—more common among female players—and her menstrual cycles (watch our video on the subject) during her illustrious career. This phenomenon is observed in many professional players, and a study led by Kingston University and funded by FIFA will attempt to address this. Starting in June and lasting one year, researchers will analyze hormone concentrations in blood samples taken from 20 to 25 adult female players, aged 18 to 35. At the same time, they will examine how the players perform certain physical tests during their periods. "We know that hormones fluctuate during the different phases of the menstrual cycle and that some of these could be linked to factors such as increased ligament laxity or decreased neuromuscular control," says Dr. Augustus. The results of the London study will be submitted to FIFA next year, with the hope that they will finally provide useful information for prevention.
Brief
A study on the link between menstruation and ACL is led by Kingston University and funded by FIFA / ©Icon Sport