Topic 6b: Conditions in Specific Populations; Female Athletes

Question 1

what risk factors are particular to the female athlete?

Answer 1

• knee injuries
• hip injuries
• hormonal imbalances
• stress factures

Question 2

who has more injury incidence, male or female?

Answer 2

both are equal

Question 3

why do we see specific types of injuries based on sex?

Answer 3

likely due to structural factors

Question 4

what injuries are more common in females?

Answer 4

ACL, patellar subluxation and PFPS, spondylolysis and spondylolythesis and stress fractures

Question 5

why do females have more ACL injuries?

Answer 5

stronger quad muscles than hamstrings and hamstrings affect ACL

Question 6

why are knee injuries more common in females?

Answer 6

• because of increased femoral obliquity (Q-angle)
• small intercondylar notch
• quad/hamstrings ratio
• hormonal effects

Question 7

what is the Q angle?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

what is genu valgum

Answer 8

the stress on the medial side of the knee as well as the ACL

Question 9

what does the ACL do?

Answer 9

prevents forward movement of the tibia off the femur. (stops shin from moving forward)

Question 10

how much more likely is a female to injury their ACL than a male

Answer 10

2-6x more likely

Question 11

how are ACLs torn?

Answer 11

valgus force or hyperextension

Question 12

why are stress fractures more common in females?

Answer 12

• overuse and poor biomechanics
• low bone density
• poor nutrition
• menstrual cycle

Question 13

societal effects on female athletes?

Answer 13

-pressure of society to have a thin body build
- effects of fashion (shortened achiles tendon)

Question 14

what are some prevention strategies to reduce injuries in female athletes?

Answer 14

-strengthen leg musculature
- check for hamstring/quad balance
- check biomechanics
- more activity for girls at a younger age
- educating coaches, parents and athletes

Question 15

what is the female reproductive system controlled by?

Answer 15

hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal glands, ovaries and hormones

Question 16

what are the three stages of the female reproductive system?

Answer 16

1. pre-puberty
2. menstrual / reproductive
3. postmenopausal

Question 17

what is amenorrhea?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

what is primary amenorrhea?

Answer 18

refers to when a female has not had a period by the age of 16

Question 19

what is secondary amenorrhea?

Answer 19

when menstrual periods have stopped
- could mean abnormality in reproductive system like ovary failure, etc.

Question 20

what is oligomenorrhea?

Answer 20

an irregular menstrual cycle

Question 21

what is anovulation?

Answer 21

a female just is not ovulating so not releasing the ovum. other due to low levels of estrogen circulation

Question 22

what is the short luteal phase?

Answer 22

the phase that is responsible for increasing the release of progesterone after ovulation

Question 23

what is dysmenorrhea?

Answer 23

when a female experiences pain with menstruation

Question 24

what is the female athlete triad? (RED-s)

Answer 24

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)

Question 25

being as little as 300 calories off in a day can do what?

Answer 25

can have a profound impact on the athletes health

Question 26

what is being talked about when RED-s is talked about?

Answer 26

the impact of small differences every day that add up over time

Question 27

how long can pregnant athletes compete in physical activity and competition?

Answer 27

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

Question 28

what are biomechanical factors that change in a females body when pregnant?

Answer 28

• posture will change for belly growth
• lower back pain
• pelvic girdle pain
• 25% feel that pain after pregnancy
• 50% feel that pain during pregnancy

Question 29

concerns on pregnant women exercising

Answer 29

• prioritize health of fetus
• mindful of hormonal changes
• fluid retention

Question 30

what is menopause?

Answer 30

• no longer having a period

Question 31

when does menopause typically start?

Answer 31

around 40
- gradual changes rather than one specific event