Female Athlete Health Workshops
Over the last few years there has been a lot more research regarding female athletes and specific female health issues. A research group based at the University of Portsmouth published a study in 2016 – the results of this showed that 46% of girls avoided physical activity because of their breasts, 51% reported never wearing a sports bra for exercise, and 87% reported they wanted to know more about breasts. Research by The Well HQ identified that 20% of professional female football players experience urinary leaking during a football match, but 65% of players reported they wouldn’t talk to anyone at the club about it. 63% of these players also reported menstrual cycle symptoms having a negative impact on their sporting performance.
I want to empower females with the correct knowledge, language, and awareness to improve their health literacy, body confidence, and participation in sport. I am passionate about improving education regarding breast health and the importance of a well fitted bra or sports bra, the menstrual cycle, and pelvic floor health.
What am I proposing? I deliver interactive and engaging workshops covering breast health and knowledge, menstrual cycle facts and common issues, and pelvic floor anatomy and exercise, and how all these elements can impact on performance. Sessions can be tailored to your needs, but typically are based on 40-45 minutes of an interactive presentation, with 15 minutes for Q&A afterwards.
These topics are best delivered over 3 separate workshops, but can also be introduced in a workshop that includes three 20 minute sections covering menstrual health, breast health and pelvic floor health, with times for questions at the end of each section – typically lasting 90 minutes in total.
Who is it for? The sessions are aimed at females aged 16 and older. But I also encourage attendance of family members, partners and coaches (male and female). Improving knowledge of those that support active females has been shown to improve communication and conversations about topics such as breast health and the menstrual cycle, creating a safe environment for all.
Why me? I have developed and delivered Female Athlete Health projects for GB Taekwondo and GB Snowsport, to both athletes and support staff. The latest project for GB Snowsport was a great success – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/abi-okell-a2097b239_gb-snowsport-to-launch-female-athlete-health-activity-7186271018062073857-ADt0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
For the recent project we collected information via a survey before and after the education sessions.
These are some of the highlights regarding breast health and support:
Staff – Prior to the education sessions, 83% rated their knowledge fair or limited regarding breast health and support.
Following the education sessions this improved to 100% rating their knowledge as ‘Good’ or ‘Really good’ regarding breast health and support
Athletes – Prior to the education sessions 83% rated their knowledge ‘not great’ and 13% ‘no knowledge’ regarding breast health and support.
Only 33% reported they knew how to check their bra fits correctly.
Following completion of the education sessions, 45% now report they know how to check correct bra fit and 22% bought a new sports bra and 22% were considering it/have looked online but not purchased.
60% rated their knowledge of breast health and support as ‘Good’ or ‘Very good’
If you would like to discuss your club or team’s education needs, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.