I see a lot of female patients who are frustrated because they aren't able to exercise due to an injury and as a result are missing out on important mental and physical benefits. We know exercise is especially beneficial for , and more. But the research on sports injuries in women is surprisingly lacking.
"Experts say there are huge gaps in the understanding of female physiology within the context of physical activity and sports, and there isn’t enough evidence-based research to provide concrete recommendations," . In fact, much of the guidance given to female athletes on training, injury prevention and returning to activity after an injury is based on men, even though their bodies are not the same as women's. For example, women have more estrogen and body fat, and less muscle mass; looser ligaments, making them more flexible; a wider pelvis; narrower knees; and higher rates of calcium and vitamin D deficiency, Dr.
Robert H. Shmerling, former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, writes in the . These characteristics may contribute to female athletes being more likely to experience certain types of injuries.
According to Shmerling, these include: As a mom of two young girls starting to play soccer, I've been wondering about the future of injuries for them and the best ways for women to exercise while also protecting their bodies. TODAY fitness contributor Stephanie Mansour, who leads community's monthly challenges, shares so.