Women’s Football Hub

Pelvic health series - Gráinne Donnelly The use of compression garments for the pelvic floor

Host Sarah Thorne talks to Gráinne Donnelly the editor of the POGP about her PhD research on compression garments and their potential use for the management of pelvic floor issues. 
This podcast episode explores pelvic health in female athletes, with a specific focus on compression garments as a potential management tool for pelvic floor dysfunction. Gráinne Donnelly shares her research insights, emphasising that pelvic floor issues are common but not normal, and can affect athletes of all levels and ages. The discussion highlights the importance of breaking down stigmas, increasing awareness, and providing supportive solutions for women experiencing pelvic floor challenges in sports. The conversation underscores the need for comprehensive, collaborative approaches to pelvic health that consider both physical and psychological aspects of athletic performance.
Chapters:
Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:00:08) - Sarah Thorne introduces herself as a new host and welcomes Gráinne Donnelly, a renowned pelvic health physiotherapist. The introduction highlights Gráinne's extensive experience and expertise in pelvic health.
Compression Garments Research (00:01:57) - Gráinne discusses her research into compression garments for pelvic floor management, initially sparked by patients reporting benefits. She explains her research journey, including studying running biomechanics and the potential supportive effects of compression garments.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Symptoms (00:08:18) - The discussion explores various pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms beyond urinary incontinence, including bladder and bowel control, organ support, and sexual dysfunction. They emphasize the importance of screening and understanding the wide range of potential symptoms.
Overactive vs. Weak Pelvic Floor (00:14:18) - Gráinne explains the difference between overactive and weak pelvic floors, highlighting that muscles can be both tense and weak. They discuss how various factors like chronic constipation, infections, and lifestyle can impact pelvic floor function.
Compression Garments as a Support Tool (00:19:06) - The conversation focuses on how compression garments might support athletes by providing additional support to the pelvic floor. They discuss the potential preventative and rehabilitative roles of these garments in sports.
Availability and Future Research (00:24:02) - Gráinne shares information about current compression garment brands and ongoing research. They discuss the potential for these garments to help athletes manage pelvic floor symptoms and improve sports participation.

Sports Science Series - Esther Goldsmith The Menstrual Cycle

Sports Science Series: Esther Goldsmith - The Menstrual Cycle
 
In this episode, Dr. Megan Lowry interviews Esther Goldsmith, a sport and exercise physiologist who works for Sport Wales. Esther specialises in supporting female athletes and educating coaches on how to best support the unique needs of female athletes.
 
Main Topics Discussed
 
- Esther's background and role as a sport and exercise physiologist [(00:00:31)
- Differences in training and supporting female vs. male athletes [(00:01:51)]
- Overview of the menstrual cycle and its impacts on the body [(00:03:24)]
- Strategies for athletes to track and manage menstrual cycle symptoms [(00:09:17)]
- Considerations for parents and coaches supporting young female athletes through puberty [(00:14:54)]
- Effects of hormonal contraceptives on the menstrual cycle and athletic performance [(00:18:44)]
 
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Where to Find Esther Goldsmith
 
- Twitter: @EGoldsmithPhys
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-goldsmith-85445a167/
 
Key Terms & References
 
- Menstrual Cycle: A hormonal cycle that occurs in the female reproductive system, typically lasting 21-35 days.
- Estrogen & Progesterone: The primary hormones that fluctuate during the menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal Contraceptives: Birth control methods that use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy, including the pill, IUD, implant, etc.
- Combined vs. Progestin-Only Contraceptives: Two main categories of hormonal birth control with different hormonal compositions.
- Project Red S: An organization providing resources for healthcare providers on the Female Athlete Triad.
 

Physiotherapy series - Mark McGuigan mental health management and the case for Occupational Therapy in Football

In this episode of Women's Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent interviews Mark McGuigan, an occupational therapist and mental health practitioner who works with athletes in the sports industry.
 
Mark is the Director at Willow Grove Consultants and a Player Care Consultant at the Player Care Group. He has extensive experience working in mental health services and has recently focused on supporting the mental health of elite athletes, particularly those recovering from long-term injuries.
 
Main Topics Discussed
 
- Mark's background as an occupational therapist and how he got involved in supporting athletes' mental health (00:00:49)
- The concept of "occupational deprivation" and how it applies to athletes dealing with injuries or retirement (00:01:32)
- Developing an "injured athlete pathway" to provide structured support during the recovery process (00:03:22)
- Addressing mental health challenges that elite athletes face, beyond just injury-related issues (00:04:40)
- Differences in supporting mental health for elite vs. recreational/amateur athletes (00:10:59)
- Common mental health scenarios Mark encounters, such as anxiety, depression, and maintaining balance/structure (00:16:22)
- A hypothetical case study of supporting an athlete through a major injury (00:20:11)
 
 
 
Where to Find Mark McGuigan
 
- Willow Grove Consultants website: https://www.willowgrove.consulting/
- Social media:
- LinkedIn: Mark McGuigan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mcguigan/)
 
Key Terms & References
 
- Occupational therapy
- Occupational deprivation
- Injured athlete pathway
- Mental health support
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Behavioral activation
- Multidisciplinary team
- Professional Footballers' Association (PFA)

Pelvic Health Series - Angela Kenneally - Blending sports physiotherapy and pelvic health

In this episode, host Carolyn Kent interviews Angela Kenneally, who is a sport and exercise medicine specialist Physiotherapist and the current lead physiotherapist for the Football Association of Ireland. Kenneally also specialises in pelvic health.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Kenneally's background and path to becoming the lead physiotherapist for the Irish women's national team (00:01:51 - 00:03:24)- Tips for young physiotherapists looking to work with national teams (00:03:38 - 00:04:57)- Kenneally's experience with the Irish women's national team at the 2023 World Cup in Australia (00:09:50 - 00:11:35)- The importance of pelvic health for female athletes, including common issues and how to address them (00:12:17 - 00:19:34)- Kenneally's training and specialization in pelvic health physiotherapy (00:20:21 - 00:23:27)- The "In Her Boots" initiative Kenneally is working on with the Football Association of Ireland to educate coaches on topics like menstrual health, breast health, and pelvic floor function (00:25:00 - 00:29:26)
 
Key References and Resources Mentioned:
- UEFA statistic: 63% of 12-19 year old female football players experience pelvic floor dysfunction (00:13:21)- Pelvic health courses and training:  - Level 1 Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Course from Irish Continence Foundation (00:22:27)  - Advanced Pelvic Floor Techniques course with Maeve Whelan (00:22:55)  - Courses and mentorship from Leah Brines and Michelle Lyons (00:23:27)- "The 10 Naked Truths of Pelvic Floor" infographic (00:27:34)- University of Portsmouth resources on breast health and sports bra fit (00:28:17)- "Return to Running Post Partum Guideline" by Grainne Donnelly, Emma Brockwell, and Tom Goom (00:32:17)

Pelvic health Series Sarah Thorne - Types of incontinence and holistic treatment

Meet the team series: Sarah Thorne on Types of Incontinence and Holistic Treatment
In this episode, host Carolyn Kent sits down with chartered physiotherapist, sports rehabilitator, personal trainer, and pelvic health specialist Sarah Thorne. Sarah shares her extensive background in sports medicine and her passion for advocating for women's health, especially in the realm of pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence.
 
Key Topics Discussed
Sarah's journey to becoming a physiotherapist and her experience working in elite football (00:02:19)
The different types of incontinence (stress, urgency, overactive bladder) and how to identify them (00:07:50)
The impact of caffeine and hydration on bladder health (00:13:48)
Strategies for physiotherapists working with female athletes on pelvic floor rehabilitation (00:16:00)
The importance of a holistic, 360-degree approach to pelvic health (00:21:24) Whether pelvic health physios need to be trained in strength and conditioning (00:23:38)
 
Where to Find Sarah Thorne
Instagram: @sarahthornehealth
LinkedIn: Sarah Thorne 
 
Key References & Resources
Integrated Systems Model
Active Pregnancy Foundation

Sports Science Series - Colm Smith Performance Coach Liverpool FC

Sports Science Series - Colm Smith Liverpool FC
In this episode, host Dr. Megan Lowery interviews Colm Smith, the Physical Performance Coach for Liverpool. Colm discusses his background in coaching various sports, his current role with Liverpool, and the day-to-day responsibilities of a performance coach working with elite female athletes.
 
Key Topics Discussed
Colm's coaching background and journey into football (00:00:36)
His current role as Physical Performance Coach for Liverpool Women (00:00:45) Typical daily responsibilities and weekly training schedule (00:05:46)
Monitoring player wellness, menstrual cycles, and recovery (00:07:24) Individualizing training and recovery for each player (00:12:27)
Differences in recovery strategies for male vs. female athletes (00:17:52) Importance of building relationships and trust with players (00:14:47)
Advice for aspiring performance coaches (00:23:29)
Where to Find Colm Smith
X: @ColmSmith13
LinkedIn: Colm Smith
 
Key References
Menstrual cycle tracking and management
FIFA Pro research on female athlete health
Importance of coach-athlete relationships
Transitioning from male to female athlete coaching
Challenges of player recovery and fatigue management

Psychology series - Pre-performance anxiety with Danielle Burns

Psychology Series - Pre performance anxiety with Danielle Burns
In this episode, host Dr. Ian Cookson interviews Danielle Burns, a sport and exercise psychologist, about the topic of pre-performance anxiety in sports, particularly in women's football.
 
Key Topics Discussed
- Danielle's academic and playing background in sport and exercise psychology [00:00:36 - 00:01:35]- Danielle's varied research interests, including exercise psychology and clinical outcomes assessment [00:02:30 - 00:03:19]- The differences and crossover between exercise psychology and sport psychology [00:03:52 - 00:04:20]- Understanding and managing pre-performance anxiety [00:05:30 - 00:12:25]- Differences in how pre-performance anxiety may manifest in women's vs. men's football [00:15:07 - 00:17:34]- Strategies for combating pre-performance anxiety, including routines, self-talk, and visualization [00:18:20 - 00:21:14]- Gaps in research around pre-performance anxiety in the context of the growing women's game [00:22:28 - 00:24:32]
 
Where to Find Danielle Burns
- Twitter: @dburnsmsc
- LinkedIn: Danielle Burns
Where to Find Dr. Ian Cookson
Women's Football Hub
Key References
- Bolton Wanderers- Warrington Town Women Football Club- Exercise referral programs- ACL injuries in women's football- UEFA Women's Euro 2022

Pregnancy & Motherhood Series - Dr Sinead Dufour - The athlete during pregnancy.

In this episode, host Carolyn Kent interviews Dr. Sinead Dufour, an associate professor at the Faculty of Health Science at McMaster University in Ontario and the director of pelvic health at the World of My Baby (The Womb). Dr. Dufour has over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist and a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Science.
Main Topics Discussed
[00:00:40] Changes a female athlete's body goes through during pregnancy, including impacts on cardiovascular, respiratory, and pelvic floor systems
[00:03:16] How cardiovascular and respiratory changes affect training for a football player during pregnancy
[00:06:07] General exercise guidelines for pregnant women, including recommendations for pelvic floor muscle training
[00:08:39] Benefits of exercise for pregnant women, including pelvic floor health, metabolic health, and mental health
[00:10:47] Areas where more research is needed, such as contact sports and high-intensity exercise during pregnancy
[00:14:14] Recommendations around high-intensity exercise during pregnancy
[00:16:14] Screening tools that can be used to assess pregnant athletes, including pelvic floor dysfunction and energy availability
[00:20:35] Contraindications and when a pregnant athlete should stop exercising
Where to Find Dr. Sinead Dufour
Website: www.thewomb.ca
Key Terms & References
Pelvic floor muscle training
Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain
Gestational diabetes
Diastasis rectus abdominis
Pelvic floor dysfunction inventory
Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S)

S & C Series - Lachlan Mackenzie - Creating the right culture for athletic development

Creating the Right Culture for Athletic Development
In this episode, host Carolyn Kent interviews Lachlan Mackenzie, a strength and conditioning and sports science specialist who works with the female high performance football program at the University of Wollongong and the South Coast Flame club.
Lachlan discusses:
[00:01:29] The limitations of the term "strength and conditioning" and why "athletic development" may be a better framing
[00:03:28] The gender dynamics and culture in gym environments, and how to create more equitable spaces
[00:06:53] The culture shift Lachlan is helping drive at South Coast Flame, prioritizing resources for the women's side of the club
[00:13:37] The female high performance football program Lachlan is involved with at the University of Wollongong, providing athletes access to high-level training and education

ACL Series Professor Evangelos Pappas The ACL decision What are the options?

In this episode, host Carolyn Kent interviews Professor Evangelos Pappas, an expert in musculoskeletal health and ACL injuries. Professor Pappas is the Director of the MedTech Research and Innovation Hub and a Professor of Musculoskeletal Health at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).
 
Topics Covered:
Why women's football players are at higher risk of ACL injuries (00:01:27)
Surgical options for ACL tears, including hamstring grafts and bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts (00:07:18)
Non-surgical management approaches, including the "CrossBrace" protocol and bridge-enhanced ACL repair (00:14:03)
The long-term consequences of ACL injuries, including increased risk of early-onset osteoarthritis (00:18:34)
Importance of injury prevention programs and educating athletes about return-to-sport risks (00:20:39)
Decision-making tools to help patients choose surgical vs. non-surgical treatment (00:26:09)
Where to Find Professor Evangelos Pappas:
Twitter: @EVPappas
 
Key Terms & References:
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)
ACL injury prevention programs
"CrossBrace" protocol
Bridge-enhanced ACL repair
Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
Return-to-sport risks after ACL injury
ACL Decision-Making Tool for Adults
ACL Decision-Making Tool for Children/Adolescents