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