La Trobe University researchers will advance their groundbreaking work into injury prevention in women's football after securing $3 million in funding.
THE HERknee Centre of Research Excellence was awarded the multi-million-dollar grant by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). HERknee CRE brings together researchers from around the world to tackle knee injury and arthritis burden for women.
Professor Kay Crossley, from La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre said studies showed that when women and girls played sport, they had up to eight times higher risk of serious knee injury than men and boys.
"One in two women will rapidly develop arthritis following injury," Professor Crossley said.
"Women and girls also have worse outcomes following a knee injury or with knee arthritis.
"Our CRE aims to reduce the risk of knee injury in women and girls, the likelihood of developing knee arthritis in women and girls and the pain suffered. "Another important part of our work is improving the outcomes in women and girls who have suffered a knee injury or who have developed arthritis."
The project will combine prevention and rehabilitation expertise across clinical trials, injury surveillance and health economics modelling.
La Trobe's Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Industry Engagement) Professor Chris Pakes said the rise of women's participation in sport was positive but more needed to be done to protect participants.
"Ensuring everyone can play sport and not incur injuries that become career ending is vital, guaranteeing that this upward participation trend continues," Professor Pakes said.
