Topic 6b: Conditions in Specific Populations; Female Athletes Flashcards
what risk factors are particular to the female athlete?
- knee injuries
- hip injuries
- hormonal imbalances
- stress factures
who has more injury incidence, male or female?
both are equal
why do we see specific types of injuries based on sex?
likely due to structural factors
what injuries are more common in females?
ACL, patellar subluxation and PFPS, spondylolysis and spondylolythesis and stress fractures
why do females have more ACL injuries?
stronger quad muscles than hamstrings and hamstrings affect ACL
why are knee injuries more common in females?
- because of increased femoral obliquity (Q-angle)
- small intercondylar notch
- quad/hamstrings ratio
- hormonal effects
what is the Q angle?
the angle between line of resultant force produced by quadriceps and line of patellar tendon
- females Q angle is 18 degrees
- increased lateral patellofemoral contact
what is genu valgum
the stress on the medial side of the knee as well as the ACL
what does the ACL do?
prevents forward movement of the tibia off the femur. (stops shin from moving forward)
how much more likely is a female to injury their ACL than a male
2-6x more likely
how are ACLs torn?
valgus force or hyperextension
why are stress fractures more common in females?
- overuse and poor biomechanics
- low bone density
- poor nutrition
- menstrual cycle
societal effects on female athletes?
-pressure of society to have a thin body build
- effects of fashion (shortened achiles tendon)
what are some prevention strategies to reduce injuries in female athletes?
-strengthen leg musculature
- check for hamstring/quad balance
- check biomechanics
- more activity for girls at a younger age
- educating coaches, parents and athletes
what is the female reproductive system controlled by?
hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal glands, ovaries and hormones
what are the three stages of the female reproductive system?
- pre-puberty
- menstrual / reproductive
- postmenopausal
what is amenorrhea?
female is not menstruating or hasn’t started to menstruate yet
- female may have less bone density due to the decrease in estrogen production that can occur over time
- increased risk for stress fractures and osteoporosis and can lead to the female athlete triad
what is primary amenorrhea?
refers to when a female has not had a period by the age of 16
what is secondary amenorrhea?
when menstrual periods have stopped
- could mean abnormality in reproductive system like ovary failure, etc.
what is oligomenorrhea?
an irregular menstrual cycle
what is anovulation?
a female just is not ovulating so not releasing the ovum. other due to low levels of estrogen circulation
what is the short luteal phase?
the phase that is responsible for increasing the release of progesterone after ovulation
what is dysmenorrhea?
when a female experiences pain with menstruation
what is the female athlete triad? (RED-s)
distinct, yet inter-related disorders which are often seen in active young girls and women.
- eating disorders due to restricted eating
- irregular periods (amenorrhea)
- low bone density (osteoporosis)
being as little as 300 calories off in a day can do what?
can have a profound impact on the athletes health
what is being talked about when RED-s is talked about?
the impact of small differences every day that add up over time
how long can pregnant athletes compete in physical activity and competition?
up to the 7th month unless there are complications
- many females do not continue past third month due to drop in performance
- no indication that exercise is harmful to fetal growth
- extreme exercise may result in low birth weight
what are biomechanical factors that change in a females body when pregnant?
- posture will change for belly growth
- lower back pain
- pelvic girdle pain
- 25% feel that pain after pregnancy
- 50% feel that pain during pregnancy
concerns on pregnant women exercising
- prioritize health of fetus
- mindful of hormonal changes
- fluid retention
what is menopause?
- no longer having a period
when does menopause typically start?
around 40
- gradual changes rather than one specific event
