Review article

Overuse Injuries in Female Athletes

Alan Ivković ; Center for Molecular Orthopedics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
Miljenko Franić ; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Bojanić ; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Center and Zagreb University School of Medicine
Marko Pećina ; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Center and Zagreb University School of Medicine

Abstract

The last three decades have witnessed a tremendous increase in female
sports participation at all levels. However, increased sports participation
of female athletes has also increased the incidence of sport-related
injuries, which can be either acute trauma or overuse injuries. Overuse
injuries may be defined as an imbalance caused by overly intensive training
and inadequate recovery, which subsequently leads to a breakdown in
tissue reparative mechanisms. This article will review the most frequent
overuse injuries in female athletes in the context of anatomical, physiological,
and psychological differences between genders. The ancient Greeks barred women from participating at
the ancient Olympics, even as spectators (1). Baron Pierre
de Coubertin, the man credited for the birth of the modern
Olympics, regarded women’s taking part in sports as being
“against the laws of nature.” To cite his words: “Olympics
are solemn and periodic exaltation of male athleticism, with
internationalism as a base, loyalty as a means for its setting
and female applause as a reward” (2). As a result of this attitude,
women did not participate at the first modern Olympic
games in Athens in 1896. However, a century later at
the same place – during the 2004 Olympics, 4329 women
from all over the world competed in the majority of 300 official
events. Nowadays, taking part in sports is seen a positive
experience for women, since it improves physical fitness,
enhances self-esteem, and contributes to better physical and
mental health. Apart from professional sport, there has also
been a dramatic increase in women’s sports participation on
recreational and amateur level.

Keywords

Overuse; Female Athletes

Hrčak ID:

20975

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/20975

Publication date:

15.12.2007.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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