Why Women Are Left Out of Ankle Injury Studies

Ankle injuries are a big deal in sports. They can sideline athletes for weeks, sometimes even months. But here's a surprising fact: most of the research on these injuries doesn't include enough women. This is a problem because women might experience these injuries differently than men. First, let's talk about the numbers. In sports science, men have often been the main subjects in studies. This isn't just about ankle injuries. It's a trend that's been happening for a while. But when it comes to lateral ankle sprains, this imbalance is particularly noticeable. Lateral ankle sprains are common. They happen when the ankle rolls outward, causing the ligaments on the outside to stretch or tear. This type of injury can happen to anyone, but some studies suggest that women might be more at risk. So, why aren't they included more in the research? One reason could be that researchers assume men and women are the same when it comes to injuries. But this isn't always true. Women and men have different body structures and hormone levels, which can affect how injuries happen and heal. For example, women have wider hips, which can change the alignment of their legs and ankles.Another reason could be that women are less likely to participate in sports science studies. This could be due to a lack of interest, time, or even awareness about these studies. But it's also possible that women feel less welcome in these research settings. After all, sports science has traditionally been a male-dominated field. So, what can be done to include more women in ankle injury research? For starters, researchers need to actively recruit women for their studies. This means reaching out to women's sports teams, gyms, and other places where women are active. It also means creating a welcoming environment for women in research settings. But it's not just about recruiting more women. Researchers also need to consider how women's unique biology might affect ankle injuries. This means looking at factors like hormone levels, body structure, and even the types of shoes women wear. By doing this, researchers can gain a better understanding of how to prevent and treat ankle injuries in women. In the end, including more women in ankle injury research isn't just about fairness. It's about getting accurate and useful information. After all, if we want to keep athletes of all genders safe and healthy, we need to understand how injuries affect them differently. So, let's make a change and start including more women in sports science research.