Women, Health and Sport | ||
Women, Health and Sport Compiled by Azadeh Tafvizi Women's sports include amateur and professional competitions in virtually all sports. Female participation in sports rose dramatically in the twentieth century, especially in the last quarter, reflecting changes in modern societies that emphasized gender parity. Although the level of participation and performance still varies greatly by country and by sport, women's sports have broad acceptance throughout the world, and in a few instances, such as tennis and figure skating, rival or exceed their male counterparts in popularity. Importance of Sport for Women • Young women who play sports are more likely to get better grades in school and more likely to graduate than girls who do not play sports. • As little as four hours of exercise a week may reduce a young woman’s risk of breast cancer by up to 60%. • One out of every two women over the age of 60 suffers from osteoporosis (brittle bones). Women today should not desire to relive the experiences of their previous predecessors who were not permitted to play sports or encouraged to participate in weight-bearing exercises that are necessary in establishing bone mass. • Women who play sports have higher levels of confidence and self esteem and lower levels of depression. • From childhood to adulthood, women who play sports have a more positive body image and experience and higher states of psychological well being than girls and women who do not play sports. Women Injuries Musculoskeletal Injuries in Women: While many injuries occur in both women and men, some are more common in one sex than the other. One of the most readily discerned differences between women and men is a wider pelvis in women. This results in a higher incidence of "knock knees" which may increase the Q (Quadriceps Angle). This can result in patellofemoral pain syndromes. Hormonal differences are thought to be one of the factors that influence both a possible tendency towards more ligamentous laxity in women and certain injuries. This has not yet been accurately and precisely documented by research. It is clear however that the changes that occur during pregnancy certainly result in many changes in a woman's body, both temporary and longer lasting. Ligamentous laxity certainly is deteriorated during pregnancy as the time to parturition comes closer. Feet and ankles swell, more weight is carried in an unusual location and a variety of mechanical structures may be affected. The back is one of those frequently affected parts. Back pain is a commonly occurring problem during pregnancy. A woman with pre-existing scoliosis will usually have an increase in the curvature occur with each pregnancy.
Female Athlete Triad The female athlete triad is a combination of eating disorder with weight loss, amennorrhea and osteoporosis. This triad may result in irreversible bone loss, decreased serum estrogen levels, psychological abnormalities and death. The eating disorder may include moderate restriction of food intake, occasional bingeing and purging (bulimea) to severe food restriction (anorexia nervosa) and regular binging and purging (bulimea nervosa). It has been estimated that female athletes may have an incidence of eating disorders ranging somewhere between 15% and 62%. Anorexics have a body weight less than 85% of normal. The definition of anorexia nervosa also includes the absence of three or more consecutive menses and a distorted body image. Bulimea nervosa behavior disorder includes bingeing and purging regularly at least twice a week for 3 months or more. Bulemic purging may involve either vomiting or the use of laxatives. Amenorrhea is the absence of menses. Primary amennorrhea is defined as occurring if a female who has reached the age of 16 has not had the development of menses or a female has not developed menses for two years after the development of secondary sex characteristics. This is often associated with low serum estrogen levels. The low estrogen leads to decreased bone mass and possible increased heart risk. This occurs because of the important role that estrogen plays in maintaining bone mass and in lowering risk of heart disease. Infertility may also be more likely to occur among female athletes with this type of reproductive system dysfunction. One should always remember that the absence of a period, while implying infertility, does not assure it. When ovulation resumes, it will occur before the first period. The female athlete may attempt to hide the symptoms of this disorder. Some of the other signs and symptoms include: Fatigue , Anemia, Stress Fractures, Depression , Decreased concentration, Constipation , Dry Skin, Enlargement of Parotid glands, Hypothermia or Cold intolerance Sports for Women There are five sports that provide greater health benefits for women. Playing sports can be a wonderful way to stay in shape and lose weight. 1. Squash Squash has been rated the healthiest sport. This sport may seem deceptively simple and easy to play, but it provides an intense cardio workout that burns 517 calories in 30 minutes. Squash is perfect for busy women because it does not require a lot of time or equipment. This healthy sport works the upper and lower body by toning and improving flexibility. 2. Swimming Swimming is one of the healthiest low impact sports for women. In an hour, it is possible to burn 790 calories by swimming. This healthy sport improves the cardiovascular system while building endurance. Swimming is capable of improving flexibility, building muscle mass and toning the body. In addition, studies have revealed that swimming can be better for the heart than running or walking. 3. Cycling Numerous studies have shown that cycling can help women maintain and control their weight. This healthy sport provides cardiovascular benefits and can burn 475 calories in a half an hour. Cycling can also provide endurance training, lower body strengthening and muscle toning. The benefits of biking extend beyond the physical, and researchers have found its positive influence on mental health. Cycling has been linked to a reduction in anxiety, depression and mood disorders. 4. Running Running may be a high impact sport, but it provides a variety of health benefits for women. This sport improves cardiovascular health and prevents bone loss. Running can also burn 475 calories in a half an hour while toning the legs and building muscle. Researchers have also discovered that running can diminish the impact of aging. It reduces stress, increases life expectancy, controls weight and improves sleep. 5. Rowing Rowing is a low impact alternative to many fitness options and is one of the healthiest sports for women. It can burn 475 calories in a half an hour and provides a workout for the entire body. Rowing creates an intense cardio workout that focuses on the core. It contributes to improving endurance, building muscles and losing weight. Rowing can reduce the risk of heart disease for women without adding the risk of joint problems created by high impact exercises.
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