Calgary researchers help shed light on gaps in sport injury prevention for women

CALGARY — With more women and girls playing sports, there’s been a corresponding rise in injuries that can end participation.

That’s the consensus of 109 researchers, including three from the University of Calgary, who have made 56 recommendations for injury prevention specific to women and girls.

“Globally, sport participation rates among female, women and girl athletes are increasing exponentially, and so too are the injury and concussion rates,” said Carolyn Emery, who co-led the group funded by the International Olympic Committee.

“Historically, prevention efforts have been largely in male and elite athlete population, and so there was just a huge gap here.”

Women’s sport has surged in Canada with the recent launches of the Professional Women’s Hockey League and soccer’s Northern S