WHY ARE FEMALE ATHLETES MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER ACL INJURIES?
In this episode of the 4TG Podcast, Kylie Lynch sits down with physiotherapist, researcher, former AFLW player, and injury prevention expert Dr. Brooke Patterson to unpack one of the biggest challenges in women's sport.
Female athletes are significantly more likely to experience ACL injuries than men, yet for decades, sports science has been built around male bodies. Dr. Patterson explains how this research gap has affected generations of female athletes and shares what the latest evidence tells us about preventing injuries before they happen.
As the lead researcher on a $4.9 million national injury prevention project involving more than 10,000 women and girls, Dr. Patterson offers practical advice for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone passionate about keeping girls in sport.
This conversation also tackles common misconceptions about the menstrual cycle, why strength training matters more than extra running, concussion awareness, and the simple changes that could reduce ACL injuries by up to 60%.
Whether you're an elite athlete, community coach, parent, or simply someone who cares about the future of women's sport, this episode is packed with practical knowledge that could help keep more girls healthy, confident, and competing for longer.
IN THIS EPISODE
✔ Why female athletes are 2 to 6 times more likely to suffer ACL injuries
✔ The research gap that has shaped women's sport for decades
✔ How the Prep to Play program can reduce ACL injuries by up to 60%
✔ The truth about the menstrual cycle and injury risk
✔ Why strength training is one of the best injury prevention tools
✔ Concussion awareness and why teammates play an important role
✔ Practical advice for coaches, parents, and young athletes
✔ Building a healthier future for women's sport through better research
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr. Brooke Patterson is a physiotherapist, researcher at La Trobe University, former AFLW player, and one of Australia's leading experts in female athlete injury prevention. Drawing on both elite sporting experience and cutting-edge research, she is leading one of Australia's largest studies focused on reducing injuries in women and girls through evidence-based training programs.
This episode is for anyone committed to making women's sport safer, stronger, and better supported for the next generation.
Connect with Dr. Brooke Patterson on Instagram: @brooke_patterson24
Support the show
ABOUT THE HOST
Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.
A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.
Connect with Kylie:
- Instagram: @kylie__lynch
- LinkedIn: Kylie Lynch
- Website: www.4tg.com.au
- Email: [email protected]
JOIN THE 4TG COMMUNITY
4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.
Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.
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