PhD candidate and AFLW physiotherapist, Melissa Haberfield, is leading research to address this disparity.
“There is a lack of understanding about women’s experiences of knee injury and recovery,” she says.
“For example, we don’t know enough about how female-specific health issues such as pregnancy and menstrual health may impact knee injury recovery and long-term knee health outcomes.”
“And as female participation in sports increases, knee injury rates are expected to rise, making this a public health concern.”
To shine a light on women’s experiences, Melissa established a women’s knee health advisory group, consisting of women with lived experiences of knee injury.
“Through this group, we found that women wanted improved access to information and best-practice care via genuine therapeutic relationships with practitioners who understand the gendered-social rehabilitation environment,” she says.
Her recommendations?
“Practitioners should adopt a socio-gendered approach when delivering best-practice care for women with knee injury. This may include examining their biases and becoming aware of barriers and enablers that may influence women’s recovery journeys, such as caring responsibilities and access to safe and supportive training environments.”
Melissa says her approach demonstrates the value and importance of involving consumers in research decision making.
“Without involving women with lived experience of serious knee injury in the research process,
researchers risk not asking or answering relevant questions that could address the gender
disparity. I hope this will guide future research and improve knee health outcomes for women.”
