Scientists have revealed the role of injuries in women during sports

Pain and injury can be an additional obstacle for women who want to start exercising more. This conclusion was reached by Australian researchers who interviewed more than 1.3 thousand physically inactive women who participated in amateur sports programs. Women with low income and lack of confidence in their physical abilities were particularly likely to have problems. Why injuries prevent women from playing sports and how they try to adapt physical activity — in the Izvestia article.

One in five women experiences pain or trauma.

Researchers from La Trobe University interviewed more than 1.3 thousand physically inactive women who participated in social sports programs in Victoria. By social sports, experts mean amateur, semi-organized and non-competitive activities in their free time.

It turned out that about one in five participants had experienced injury or pain that affected their ability to engage in physical activity. The most common problems were knee pain (39%), lower back pain (30%) and ankle pain (25%).

The results of the study are published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. The authors noted that injuries should be considered not only as a medical problem, but also as a separate factor that can prevent women from participating in sports programs.

Personal move: smart orthosis with stiffness options will restore after injury

How a new rehabilitation tool will help make life easier for patients

Low self-confidence is also associated with injuries.

The study showed that the problem is unevenly distributed among women. Participants from families with an annual income of less than $100,000 were more than three times more likely to report an injury compared to women from families with incomes of more than $200,000.

Another factor was confidence in the ability to engage in regular physical activity. Women who were not confident that they would be able to exercise all the time were significantly more likely to belong to the group of participants who had problems due to injuries or pain.

The authors attribute the situation to broader obstacles that may prevent women from engaging in physical activity. Previous research from the University of Sydney has shown that women generally devote less free time to physical activity than men. Experts cited lack of time, caring responsibilities for other people, financial constraints, insufficient social support, and a lack of accessible sports programs and suitable playgrounds as possible reasons.

At the same time, it's not just about the fact that women need to exercise more. According to the researchers, sports programs themselves should take into account that some of the potential participants are already experiencing pain or the consequences of injuries and therefore need the opportunity to safely adapt the load.

After an injury, women don't always stop exercising.

Despite the pain and injuries, many of the study participants did not completely give up physical activity. Instead, they changed the way they participated in sports, adjusting the workload to their condition. More than half of the women who experienced injuries changed the type of sport or physical activity they were engaged in. Another 39% reduced the workload, and 34% changed the classes themselves, continuing to practice their chosen sport in an adapted format.

The researchers consider this result important: the presence of injury does not necessarily mean a complete withdrawal from physical activity. However, for this, women need conditions in which the load can be changed depending on their state of health.

According to Staley, accessible, supportive and flexible sports programs are especially important for reducing the gender gap in physical activity. At the same time, they should allow women who are in pain or recovering from injuries to safely change exercises and gradually return to classes.

Not a lie, but a brain reaction: scientists have revealed the impact of trauma on memories

Sports should take into account the physical capabilities of the participants

The problem is especially relevant against the background of the general level of physical activity of the population. According to the data provided in the study, almost eight out of 10 Australian adults do not achieve the minimum recommended level of physical activity — 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense exercise per week.

In such a situation, injury may become an additional reason why a person continues to lead a sedentary lifestyle. This is especially important for those who are just trying to start exercising: pain or a bad experience can reduce confidence in their own physical abilities and make it more difficult to return to activity.

Therefore, the authors of the study suggest considering sports programs not only as a way to increase physical activity, but also as a tool that should be adapted to the different capabilities of participants. For women with injuries or chronic pain, this may mean changing exercises, reducing stress, or choosing a different type of activity.

Thus, the study shows that the problem is not only whether women want to exercise, but also whether they have the opportunity to do so safely. If physical activity can be adapted to a person's condition, injury does not necessarily have to cause a complete withdrawal from classes.