• Kingston University launches a FIFA-funded study on knee injuries in female soccer players.
• The research will investigate hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles.
• Notable players affected by knee injuries include Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, and Sam Kerr.
• The year-long study will recruit players from various London clubs.

A groundbreaking FIFA-funded study at Kingston University will focus on whether hormonal fluctuations throughout menstrual cycles contribute to an alarming rise in knee injuries among female soccer players. This initiative follows a noticeable uptick in serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries affecting notable athletes like Arsenal’s Beth Mead, Manchester City's Vivianne Miedema, and Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, who has been sidelined for 15 months due to a ruptured ACL, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.

Led by PhD student Blake Rivers and a team of sports science experts, this year-long research will analyze blood samples from both elite and grassroots footballers to monitor hormone concentrations across their menstrual cycles. The study seeks to understand whether athletes might be more susceptible to injuries due to the physiological changes during these cycles, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.

The research team aims to monitor levels of oestrogen and progesterone, hormones that have been associated with increased ligament laxity and reduced neuromuscular response. The findings may allow coaches to tailor training loads and individual programs to align with different menstrual cycle phases, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.

The study is set to commence in June, recruiting players from clubs such as Chelsea and Fulham to participate in regular blood tests and physical performance assessments. Alongside this, researchers will analyze injury scenarios, focusing on landing mechanics and directional changes to potentially identify correlations with hormonal states. This comprehensive approach aims to uncover new ways of preventing injuries, particularly those occurring outside of direct impact situations, said Simon Augustus, Senior Lecturer in Sport Biomechanics, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.