Women's Football Hub

In this episode of Women’s Football Hub, Carolyn Kent sits down with Dr. Anne Leung to discuss sex differences in outcomes following ACL reconstruction, and what they mean for athletes and clinicians working in women’s sport.

Dr. Leung shares insights from her PhD research on quadriceps neuromuscular performance, highlighting key areas where female athletes tend to face greater challenges during and after rehabilitation. From persistent strength deficits and lower return-to-sport rates to psychological readiness and long-term physical activity levels, this episode provides a comprehensive look at what the evidence currently tells us — and where gaps still remain.

The conversation also tackles common misconceptions, including the role of hormonal cycles in training, and explores how rehabilitation environments, training history, and potential bias may influence recovery outcomes.

Key themes include:

• Sex differences in strength, function, and return to sport
• The importance of quadriceps strength in successful recovery
• Psychological factors including fear, confidence, and readiness
• Late-stage rehab challenges and long-term health implications
• The need for individualised but informed rehabilitation approaches

This episode is essential for practitioners, athletes, and anyone interested in improving outcomes in women’s sport rehabilitation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

#ACLReconstruction #WomensSport #SportsRehab #FemaleAthletes #Physiotherapy #SportsMedicine #InjuryRecovery