Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Category
STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
Abstract/Artist Statement
Background
The rapid increase in female participation in sport has led to significant improvements in athletic performance and opportunity but has also increased exposure to sport-related musculoskeletal injuries, particularly non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. While anatomical and biomechanical factors have traditionally been emphasized, growing evidence suggests that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may also influence ACL injury risk. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the role of hormones in the incidence of non-contact ACL injuries in female athletes.
Methods
A systematic search of the PubMed and PEDro databases was conducted, including articles published from 2010 onward. Four search term combinations were used: ACL tears AND hormones; ACL tears AND hormones AND female athlete; ACL tears AND menstrual cycle AND female athletes; and ACL tears AND menstrual cycle AND female athlete AND hormones. Of the 109 articles identified, duplicates and irrelevant studies were removed, leaving 52 articles for abstract review. Eighteen studies underwent further screening, and 9 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Six studies met all inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis.
Results
The six included studies involved a total of 165 female participants. All studies measured serum relaxin levels and reported associations with increased ligamentous laxity. Five studies examined hormonal contraceptive use, suggesting that contraceptives may stabilize relaxin levels and reduce ligament laxity. Sport-specific findings were reported but varied across studies.
Conclusions
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, particularly increases in relaxin, appear to contribute to an elevated risk of non-contact ACL injuries in female athletes by increasing ligamentous laxity. These findings emphasize the importance of considering hormonal factors in ACL injury prevention strategies.
Mentor Name
Valerie Moody
The Effect Hormone Levels Have on Injury Risk in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review
UC North Ballroom
Background
The rapid increase in female participation in sport has led to significant improvements in athletic performance and opportunity but has also increased exposure to sport-related musculoskeletal injuries, particularly non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. While anatomical and biomechanical factors have traditionally been emphasized, growing evidence suggests that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may also influence ACL injury risk. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the role of hormones in the incidence of non-contact ACL injuries in female athletes.
Methods
A systematic search of the PubMed and PEDro databases was conducted, including articles published from 2010 onward. Four search term combinations were used: ACL tears AND hormones; ACL tears AND hormones AND female athlete; ACL tears AND menstrual cycle AND female athletes; and ACL tears AND menstrual cycle AND female athlete AND hormones. Of the 109 articles identified, duplicates and irrelevant studies were removed, leaving 52 articles for abstract review. Eighteen studies underwent further screening, and 9 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Six studies met all inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis.
Results
The six included studies involved a total of 165 female participants. All studies measured serum relaxin levels and reported associations with increased ligamentous laxity. Five studies examined hormonal contraceptive use, suggesting that contraceptives may stabilize relaxin levels and reduce ligament laxity. Sport-specific findings were reported but varied across studies.
Conclusions
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, particularly increases in relaxin, appear to contribute to an elevated risk of non-contact ACL injuries in female athletes by increasing ligamentous laxity. These findings emphasize the importance of considering hormonal factors in ACL injury prevention strategies.