Did you know that female athletes in contact sports experience more concussions and worse outcomes compared to male athletes?
Unfortunately, concussion research on female athletes is far less than concussion research on male athletes.
In today’s blog, we are highlighting findings from a recent literature review conducted by researchers in Germany. They investigated sex-specific differences in concussion rates, biomechanics, biomarkers, imaging, and outcomes in contact sports.
First, let’s define contact sports…
What are Contact Sports?
Contact sports are competitive physical activities that involve direct physical contact as an integral part of the activity. This contact can be intentional, such as tackling in football, or incidental, like collisions in soccer.
Examples of contact sports include:
● American Football
● Soccer
● Rugby
● Ice Hockey
● Boxing
Female participation in these sports is growing, making it essential to understand the unique risks they face.
The Literature Review on Concussions in Female Athletes in Contact Sports
Twenty-two research studies met criteria for inclusion in this literature review. Of the topics covered, there was a lack of research in biomarkers and imaging, while the topics of concussion incidence, biomechanics, and outcomes were more represented.
Why Do Females Get More Concussions in Contact Sports?
The review identified several factors that contribute to the higher concussion rates in female athletes:
- Biomechanical Differences: Female athletes generally have less neck strength, smaller neck circumferences, and lower head-neck segment mass compared to males. These differences mean that female athletes experience greater head acceleration during impacts, making them more susceptible to concussions.
- Hormonal and Biological Factors: Female brains differ in metabolism, cerebral blood flow, and inflammatory responses compared to male brains. These variations may play a role in their heightened vulnerability to concussions and the severity of symptoms experienced.
- Increased Symptom Reporting: Studies suggest that female athletes are more likely to report concussion symptoms than males. This may stem from societal norms, with male athletes often facing pressure to “tough it out.”
What Happens After a Concussion?
The review also revealed key differences in how concussions affect female athletes:
- More Severe Symptoms: Female athletes report more frequent and severe symptoms,
such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. - Longer Recovery Times: Women often take longer to recover and return to full-contact
play. - Greater Neurocognitive Deficits: Female athletes experience more significant declines in
memory, reaction time, and processing speed following a concussion.
How Can We Better Support Female Athletes?
These findings highlight the urgent need for tailored approaches to concussion prevention, treatment, and recovery in female athletes.
Here are some steps that can help:
- Enhanced Training Programs: Strengthening neck muscles and teaching head
stabilization techniques may reduce the risk of concussion in female athletes. - Rule Changes: Modifications should be evaluated through research. For example,
research is showing that the rule to forbid body checking in women’s hockey is not
working – it is not reducing head impacts. - Increased Research: More studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of
concussions on female athletes and develop effective treatments.
Looking Ahead
While this review sheds light on the unique challenges female athletes face in contact sports, it also highlights the need for more inclusive and comprehensive research. By understanding the distinct risks and outcomes for female athletes, we can develop better strategies to protect their health and ensure their safety in doing the sports they love.
References
Fahr J, Kraff O, Deuschl C, Dodel R. Concussion in Female Athletes of Contact Sports: A
Scoping Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2024 Oct 16;12(10):23259671241276447. doi:
10.1177/23259671241276447. PMID: 39421039; PMCID: PMC11483826
- Why Do Female Athletes Get More Concussions in Contact Sports? - February 25, 2025
- Adapting Digital Health Tools for Concussion Recovery - February 4, 2025
- Concussion Concerns in Youth Sports: What Parents Need to Know - January 23, 2025
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