Holsworth Research Initiative Human Performance Research Seminar

Exercise and Sports Science: Failing by design in understanding female athletes

For as much as we think we know about female athletes, their performance capability and particularly the reasons behind their risk of injury, how much of it is accurate? Is the rigour of research and balance of argument present? In this presentation, we will explore the “truths” told about female athletes and explore the research, systems and bigger picture that is being highlighted as a second surge of “Women in Sport” takes stage. Using the now infamous ACL injury as an example, we will re-visit the previously used biomechanical, physiological and motor behavioural factors stated to explain the injury rate of female athletes and ask the question; are they being framed?

Sophia Nimphius is currently a Professor at Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Analyst/S&C Coach for the Junior Spirit (Australian U19 Women’s team). She was previously Sports Science Manager at Surfing Australia Hurley High Performance Centre and High Performance Manager for Softball Western Australia as part of a collaboration with ECU. As a passionate advocate and mentor for women and under-represented groups, she strives to enhance their representation in science, technology, engineering and math with a particular interest in driving their representation in high-performance sport positions. She contributes to many committees and boards to help drive systemic change and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and member of the Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP) at ECU; one of the International Research Centres for the Prevention of Injury and Protection of Athlete Health supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The Zoom link will be sent to attendees once they have registered for this event.