Gloucestershire and Worcester universities launch "first-ever" women's-only football lab
Their goal is to reach equal understanding of male and female football physiology
The University of Gloucestershire and the University of Worcester have launched a research facility it believes to be the first of its kind.
The Women's Injury and Science Hub (WISH) focuses exclusively on injury, risk and rehabilitation - for female athletes only.
Researchers at the hub will collaborate with academic institutions and sporting organisations across the world to share knowledge and resources.
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."
New studies released by the universities 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.
Aside from research, part of the hub's work will be educating coaches about the importance of injury risk management among young girls, a high-risk group.
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.”