Sport and physical activity participation is influenced by many interacting factors from a biopsychosocial perspective (biological, psychological and sociological). Those three domains have become a popular way of characterising human development. For more on this, read our guide, Understanding the BioPsychoSocial Model.
Within this complex and dynamic development, there are some factors specific to women that may impact participation and performance in sport and physical activity. Research has questioned approaches to training female participants in the same manner as their male counterparts due to the anatomical, physiological and endocrine differences between the sexes.
Females are not smaller male participants. Coaches should understand female-specific factors and issues to support their health and performance and incorporate this into practice design, training and coaching.
Female specific factors include:
- Bra/breast health.
- Pelvic floor health.
- Menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal contraceptives.