In sports science and athlete development, one of the most damaging myths is that men and women can train, perform, and protect their bodies the same way. This outdated belief ignores a growing body of research that clearly shows: female athletes are not just smaller versions of men. They have different biomechanics, hormone cycles, anatomical structures, and injury patterns. And when injury prevention strategies fail to account for these differences, the consequences can be severe — both in terms of short-term injuries and long-term health.
At Fempro Armour, we’re challenging the status quo by engineering female-specific protection and pushing for education, equity, and injury prevention that starts with the female body in mind.
What Makes Female Athletes More Susceptible to Certain Injuries?
The injury profile of female athletes is distinct. They experience different types of injuries, and often at higher rates than their male counterparts:
- ACL injuries occur 2 to 8 times more frequently in female athletes than males in the same sport. Hormonal fluctuations, pelvic structure, and landing mechanics all contribute to this increased risk.
- Concussions tend to be more frequent and more severe in females. Studies show that women often experience longer recovery times and more intense symptoms.
- Bone stress injuries and fractures are more common in females, especially during adolescence or under the Female Athlete Triad (low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and decreased bone mineral density).
- Chest and breast trauma are rarely discussed but can significantly impact female athletes in contact sports such as rugby, NRL, and AFL.
The reasons for these differences are multi-factorial. They include:
- Hormonal differences, such as fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels, which can affect ligament laxity.
- Biomechanical differences, like wider hips leading to increased knee valgus (inward collapse of the knee), contributing to ACL tears.
- Muscle recruitment patterns that differ during jumping, landing, or pivoting.
Why ‘Shrink It and Pink It’ Isn’t Injury Prevention
Historically, sports gear and training programs have been based on data collected from male athletes. Female gear was often an afterthought — scaled down in size and given a new color.
This “shrink it and pink it” approach fails female athletes because:
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Protective gear does not accommodate female anatomy, leading to discomfort, poor fit, or inadequate protection.
- Training plans that ignore hormonal cycles can lead to overtraining or elevated injury risk during certain phases of the menstrual cycle.
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Lack of gender-specific data means many recovery and rehabilitation protocols are designed for men and simply applied to women, leading to poor outcomes.
Real injury prevention must begin with real understanding.
Female-Specific Injury Prevention: What It Should Include
If we want to reduce injury risks and help female athletes thrive, we must invest in prevention strategies designed specifically for them. This includes:
1. Anatomically-Correct Protective Gear
Protective equipment must be designed for the female body, not simply adapted from a male template. This includes chest protection that considers breast anatomy, pads shaped to fit the female hip and torso, and gear that doesn’t restrict movement or performance.
2. Cycle-Aware Training and Recovery
Elite coaches and performance staff are beginning to factor menstrual cycle tracking into training regimes. This can help reduce injury risk during phases of high ligament laxity and optimize performance when the body is most resilient.
3. Biomechanical and Movement Screening
Identifying risky movement patterns early (such as knee valgus or poor hip stability) allows for corrective strategies before injury occurs. This is especially important during adolescence when the risk of ACL tears is highest.
4. Strength and Neuromuscular Training
Targeted strength training that improves joint stability and neuromuscular control has been shown to reduce ACL injury rates significantly in women. Programs need to be age- and sport-specific.
5. Education and Culture Shift
Athletes, parents, coaches, and sports organizations need better education about female injury risks. Injury prevention isn’t about fragility — it’s about preparation, protection, and performance.
How Fempro Armour Is Leading the Change
At Fempro Armour, we’ve spent years developing and testing female-specific protective gear with professional clubs, athletes, and research partners. Our designs are informed by:
- Real-world impact testing
- Biomechanical insights into female athlete movement
- Feedback from elite female players across AFL, NRL, Rugby, and more
And now, with our upcoming integrated sensor technology, we’re taking things to the next level by collecting real-time data on the force and location of impacts. This will help:
- Educate coaches and clubs on where and how injuries occur
- Refine gear for even better protection
- Contribute to broader research on breast health, concussion risk, and long-term safety
We’re not just creating products. We’re creating change.
Final Thoughts: Equality Means Meeting Different Needs
If we genuinely care about equality in sport, we must recognize that treating everyone the same is not the same as treating them fairly. Female athletes deserve training, tools, and protection designed for their bodies, their movements, and their game.
It’s time to stop asking women to fit into a system built for men. It’s time to build systems that fit women.
Want to learn more about how Fempro Armour is leading the charge in female athlete protection? Contact us or explore our latest products designed specifically designed for female athletes.