Beato, Marco, Madsen, Esben Elholm, Clubb, Jo and Krustrup, Peter (2024) The monitoring of readiness to train and perform in female football: current evidence and recommendations for practitioners. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. ISSN 1555-0265

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Abstract

Purpose: Monitoring player readiness to train and perform is an important practical concept in football. Despite an abundance of research in this area in the male game, to date research is limited in female football. The aims of this study were, firstly, to summarize the current literature on the monitoring of readiness in female football; secondly, to summarize the current evidence regarding the monitoring of the menstrual cycle and its potential impact on physical preparation and performance in female footballers; and thirdly, to offer practical recommendations based on the current evidence for practitioners working with female football players.

Conclusions: Practitioners should include both objective (e.g., heart rate and countermovement jump) and subjective measures (e.g., athlete-reported outcome measures [AROM]) within their monitoring practices. This would allow them to have a better picture of female player’s readiness. Practitioners should assess the reliability of their monitoring (objective and subjective) tools before adopting them with their players. The use of AROM could play a key role in contexts where technology is not available (e.g., in semi-professional and amateur clubs), however, practitioners need to be aware that many single-item AROM instruments have not been properly validated. Finally, tracking the menstrual cycle can identify menstrual dysfunction (e.g., infrequent, or irregular menstruation) that can indicate a state of low energy availability or an underlying gynaecological issue, both of which warrant further investigation by medical practitioners.

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