A new research hub has been launched by The University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire, focused on advancing understanding of injuries and rehabilitation in female sport.
The Women’s Injury and Science Hub (WISH) is believed to be the first research centre of its kind centred exclusively on injury risk, injury risk management and appropriate rehabilitation of female athletes, from elite to grassroots level.
Building on their previous extensive studies, researchers from University of Gloucestershire and the University of Worcester will collaborate with academic institutions and sporting organisations across the world to share knowledge and resources.
New studies include research around joint laxity, where joints extend beyond normal limits, often due to loose, weak, or torn ligaments, which can result in instability, joint dislocations, pain, and injury, which is more prevalent in females.
The hub’s impactful and beneficial work will also include educating and upskilling grassroots coaches about the importance of injury risk management in young girls, who are at a high risk of injury.
Dr Chris Holland, Head of Department for Sport Management, Therapy and Exercise at the University of Worcester, said: “We developed the Women in Sport Hub as an interdisciplinary platform for sustained collaboration between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire, strengthening research capacity and enabling a coherent programme of work centred on women’s experiences in sport.”
Professor Mark De Ste Croix, Professor of Paediatric Sport and Exercise at University of Gloucestershire, said: “We are excited to be formalising this research group with the University of Worcester as we have been researching injury risk in women’s sport for a number of years.
“As women’s sport continues to grow, there is a mis-match between the support for women’s sport and demands of professionalism. They are still the ‘poor partner’ compared with men’s sport in terms of access to resources including sports science and medicine support.
“This collaborative research hub will open up new opportunities to improve health and well-being for female athletes, from elite to grassroots level.
“As a Women’s FA High Performance Football Centre, we are committed to ensuring that women playing sport have the same access to sports science and medicine opportunities as their male counterparts.”