A major study into the impacts of pregnancy in high-performance sport has been launched by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), to support and increase career longevity better for female athletes.
Project Lead of the Female Performance and Health Initiative at the AIS, Dr Rachel Harris said the new Mum-Alete Study would help attract and retain women in high-performance sport.
“As a former athlete and as a health professional, I know first-hand how difficult it has been in the past to find guidance about important issues facing female athletes such as pregnancy,” Dr Harris said.
“The Mum-Alete Study is the first research project of its kind in Australia,” she said.
Dr Harris said the Study’s findings would help shape current and future AIS initiatives and influence change to better support and improve the longevity of female athletes.
Study Lead and Sports and Exercise Medicine Registrar at the AIS, Dr Victoria Forsdick said Mum-Alete would survey high-performance athletes from around the country over the next three months and was expected to deliver survey results in April.
“Athlete wellbeing and success go hand in hand, so establishing conditions to create a supportive environment is a key strategic priority for the AIS,” Dr Forsdick said.
“Historically, almost all research and resources have been centred around male athletes, so I’m proud that AIS Clinical Services is helping change that narrative to better support our female athletes,” she said.
Dr Forsdick said the Mum-Alete survey was open now and would be accepting submissions until 13 February.
She said the Study was open to athletes aged 18 years or older who were training or competing at the highest level in their sport in the six months prior to pregnancy.
Further information about the eligibility criteria and how to take part can be accessed at this PS News link.
