Experts create exercise handbook for women in sport

Leading experts have come together to create the first scientific handbook for women involved in sport

Dr Jacky Forsyth

Dr Jacky Forsyth

Despite growth in participation, research on the exercising female, and how a woman's body responds to exercise still falls short of that carried out on men.

Dr Jacky Forsyth, Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology

Dr Jacky Forsyth, Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology at Staffordshire University, has co-edited 'The Exercising Female: Science and Its Application' alongside Sport Psychologist Claire-Marie Robertson.

“We've called it 'The Exercising Female' because it is relevant to any woman who exercises – and we know that is a large part of the population. More women than ever are involved in sport at a recreational and professional level.” Dr Forsyth explained.

“Despite this growth in participation, research on the exercising female, and how a woman's body responds to exercise still falls short of that carried out on men.”

This is the first book to address women as a unique population and focuses on physiological, biomechanical, psychological and nutritional aspects that are specific to females taking part in sport. Based on the latest research, the text covers a range of topics including the menstrual cycle, bone health and body image.

Dr Forsyth is an executive member of the UK-based Women in Sport and Exercise Academic Network (WiSEAN) and organised the inaugaural WiSEAN, two-day conference 'Blood, Sweat and Fears' at Staffordshire University this summer.

She hopes that the book will be a vital resource for professionals working with female athletes including coaches, sport psychologists, physicians and physiotherapists as well as students and researchers.

“The conference was a real success and will continue as an annual event. It showed that there is an appetite and a need for this research. This book is the next step and fills a considerable gap in the literature around sport and exercise.”

'The Exercising Female: Science and Its Application' is published by Routledge and is available to buy here.

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