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Fifa is to fund research into whether hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles could be contributing to the rise in anterior cruciate ligament, ACL, injuries in women’s football.
The year-long study at Kingston University London will begin next month.
Research suggests female footballers are two to six times more likely to suffer the injuries than their male counterparts.
Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Sam Kerr are among the players to have suffered the injury over the past two years.
Players from London clubs, including Fulham and Chelsea, as well as some in the grassroots game, will take part in the research by regularly having their blood and physical performance tested.
The research will track hormone concentrations through their menstrual cycles, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, with previous research suggesting they could be linked to increased ligament laxity and decreased neuromuscular reaction times.
Scenarios that commonly lead to ACL injuries, such as rapid directional changes and landing after heading the ball, will be analysed to see if there is a correlation with hormone levels.
English (US) ·