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FA and WSL launch major study into ACL injuries in women’s football
The Football Association and WSL Football have launched a study with Imperial College London to investigate why ACL injuries occur in women’s football and how they might be prevented. These serious injuries can sideline players for months, and research suggests female footballers are two to six times more likely to suffer them than male players.
Led by researcher Hanna Lehtovirta with sports knee surgeon Simon Ball, the PhD project will invite players and staff from every Women’s Super League and WSL2 club. Surveys will compare players injured since the 2018-19 season with those who have not, examining factors such as training and match load, hormones, nutrition and psychology; interviews will explore current prevention and training practices. The findings are intended to inform injury prevention, rehabilitation and player welfare.
In short
- The FA and WSL have begun a study into ACL injuries in women’s football.
- Female footballers are estimated to face two to six times the risk of male players.
- Surveys and interviews will examine possible causes and prevention.
Explained simply
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a band of tissue inside the knee that helps keep the joint stable. A tear can require surgery and months of rehabilitation, keeping a player away from training and matches.
Women footballers are reported to suffer ACL injuries more often than men, though the reasons are not fully understood. Researchers are examining a range of possible influences, including playing demands, physical health and training practices.
The research involves clubs in the Women’s Super League and WSL2, the top two levels of women’s football in England. Understanding what contributes to injuries could help clubs improve prevention, recovery and support for players.
Football Research Science Sport