FIFA will fund a study at Kingston University to explore the connection between the menstrual cycle and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in women’s soccer, which are statistically higher than in men’s soccer.

Some notable players that have suffered ACL injuries are Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead, and Sam Kerr, who has been sidelined for 15 months with such an injury.

Simon Augustus, a senior lecturer in sport biomechanics, stated:

“We want to determine if functional changes due to anatomy and physiology during the menstrual cycle leave athletes more vulnerable to injuries. Hormone variations occur at different phases of the cycle; however, we’re still assessing the degree of influence these fluctuations may have on injury risk.”

This year-long project, part of the FIFA Research Scholarship program, aims to lower the injury risk by tailoring training regimens to each athlete’s specific needs. Starting in June, Kingston University’s specialists will collaborate with clubs in south-west London, including Chelsea and Fulham. Participating players will routinely visit the campus for blood and physical performance testing.

Researchers will evaluate hormone levels in blood samples, indicating that female-specific hormones like estrogen and progesterone are linked to increased ligament looseness, which could enhance joint flexibility and heighten the risk of injuries. The study will also evaluate common injury mechanisms to understand their correlation with the menstrual cycle stage.

The research team will comprise PhD student Blake Rivers, along with Augustus, James Brouner, and Michelle Richards, all experts in sports and exercise science at Kingston.

Augustus commented:

“We acknowledge some injuries are inevitable, such as those arising from tackles. Our focus is on preventing ACL injuries occurring without physical contact, where we may have greater chances to implement prevention strategies through strength training or technique adjustments.”