Host Sarah Thorne talks to Gráinne Donnelly the editor of the POGP about her PhD research on compression garments and their potential use for the management of pelvic floor issues.

This podcast episode explores pelvic health in female athletes, with a specific focus on compression garments as a potential management tool for pelvic floor dysfunction. Gráinne Donnelly shares her research insights, emphasising that pelvic floor issues are common but not normal, and can affect athletes of all levels and ages. The discussion highlights the importance of breaking down stigmas, increasing awareness, and providing supportive solutions for women experiencing pelvic floor challenges in sports. The conversation underscores the need for comprehensive, collaborative approaches to pelvic health that consider both physical and psychological aspects of athletic performance.

Chapters:

1. Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:00:08) - Sarah Thorne introduces herself as a new host and welcomes Gráinne Donnelly, a renowned pelvic health physiotherapist. The introduction highlights Gráinne's extensive experience and expertise in pelvic health.
2. Compression Garments Research (00:01:57) - Gráinne discusses her research into compression garments for pelvic floor management, initially sparked by patients reporting benefits. She explains her research journey, including studying running biomechanics and the potential supportive effects of compression garments.
3. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Symptoms (00:08:18) - The discussion explores various pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms beyond urinary incontinence, including bladder and bowel control, organ support, and sexual dysfunction. They emphasize the importance of screening and understanding the wide range of potential symptoms.
4. Overactive vs. Weak Pelvic Floor (00:14:18) - Gráinne explains the difference between overactive and weak pelvic floors, highlighting that muscles can be both tense and weak. They discuss how various factors like chronic constipation, infections, and lifestyle can impact pelvic floor function.
5. Compression Garments as a Support Tool (00:19:06) - The conversation focuses on how compression garments might support athletes by providing additional support to the pelvic floor. They discuss the potential preventative and rehabilitative roles of these garments in sports.
6. Availability and Future Research (00:24:02) - Gráinne shares information about current compression garment brands and ongoing research. They discuss the potential for these garments to help athletes manage pelvic floor symptoms and improve sports participation.

Sports Science Series: Esther Goldsmith - The Menstrual Cycle

In this episode, host Carolyn Kent interviews Angela Kenneally, who is a sport and exercise medicine specialist Physiotherapist and the current lead physiotherapist for the Football Association of Ireland. Kenneally also specialises in pelvic health.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Kenneally's background and path to becoming the lead physiotherapist for the Irish women's national team (00:01:51 - 00:03:24) - Tips for young physiotherapists looking to work with national teams (00:03:38 - 00:04:57) - Kenneally's experience with the Irish women's national team at the 2023 World Cup in Australia (00:09:50 - 00:11:35) - The importance of pelvic health for female athletes, including common issues and how to address them (00:12:17 - 00:19:34) - Kenneally's training and specialization in pelvic health physiotherapy (00:20:21 - 00:23:27) - The "In Her Boots" initiative Kenneally is working on with the Football Association of Ireland to educate coaches on topics like menstrual health, breast health, and pelvic floor function (00:25:00 - 00:29:26)

Key References and Resources Mentioned:

- UEFA statistic: 63% of 12-19 year old female football players experience pelvic floor dysfunction (00:13:21) - Pelvic health courses and training: - Level 1 Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Course from Irish Continence Foundation (00:22:27) - Advanced Pelvic Floor Techniques course with Maeve Whelan (00:22:55) - Courses and mentorship from Leah Brines and Michelle Lyons (00:23:27) - "The 10 Naked Truths of Pelvic Floor" infographic (00:27:34) - University of Portsmouth resources on breast health and sports bra fit (00:28:17) - "Return to Running Post Partum Guideline" by Grainne Donnelly, Emma Brockwell, and Tom Goom (00:32:17)

Meet the team series: Sarah Thorne on Types of Incontinence and Holistic Treatment

In this episode, host Carolyn Kent sits down with chartered physiotherapist, sports rehabilitator, personal trainer, and pelvic health specialist Sarah Thorne. Sarah shares her extensive background in sports medicine and her passion for advocating for women's health, especially in the realm of pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence.

Key Topics Discussed

Sarah's journey to becoming a physiotherapist and her experience working in elite football (00:02:19)

The different types of incontinence (stress, urgency, overactive bladder) and how to identify them (00:07:50)

The impact of caffeine and hydration on bladder health (00:13:48)

Strategies for physiotherapists working with female athletes on pelvic floor rehabilitation (00:16:00)

The importance of a holistic, 360-degree approach to pelvic health (00:21:24) Whether pelvic health physios need to be trained in strength and conditioning (00:23:38)

Where to Find Sarah Thorne

Instagram: @sarahthornehealth

LinkedIn: Sarah Thorne

Key References & Resources

Integrated Systems Model

Active Pregnancy Foundation

Sports Science Series - Colm Smith Liverpool FC

In this episode, host Dr. Megan Lowery interviews Colm Smith, the Physical Performance Coach for Liverpool. Colm discusses his background in coaching various sports, his current role with Liverpool, and the day-to-day responsibilities of a performance coach working with elite female athletes.

Key Topics Discussed

Colm's coaching background and journey into football (00:00:36)

His current role as Physical Performance Coach for Liverpool Women (00:00:45) Typical daily responsibilities and weekly training schedule (00:05:46)

Monitoring player wellness, menstrual cycles, and recovery (00:07:24) Individualizing training and recovery for each player (00:12:27)

Differences in recovery strategies for male vs. female athletes (00:17:52) Importance of building relationships and trust with players (00:14:47)

Advice for aspiring performance coaches (00:23:29)

Where to Find Colm Smith

X: @ColmSmith13

LinkedIn: Colm Smith

Key References

Menstrual cycle tracking and management

FIFA Pro research on female athlete health

Importance of coach-athlete relationships

Transitioning from male to female athlete coaching

Challenges of player recovery and fatigue management

Psychology Series - Pre performance anxiety with Danielle Burns

In this episode, host Dr. Ian Cookson interviews Danielle Burns, a sport and exercise psychologist, about the topic of pre-performance anxiety in sports, particularly in women's football.

Key Topics Discussed

- Danielle's academic and playing background in sport and exercise psychology [00:00:36 - 00:01:35] - Danielle's varied research interests, including exercise psychology and clinical outcomes assessment [00:02:30 - 00:03:19] - The differences and crossover between exercise psychology and sport psychology [00:03:52 - 00:04:20] - Understanding and managing pre-performance anxiety [00:05:30 - 00:12:25] - Differences in how pre-performance anxiety may manifest in women's vs. men's football [00:15:07 - 00:17:34] - Strategies for combating pre-performance anxiety, including routines, self-talk, and visualization [00:18:20 - 00:21:14] - Gaps in research around pre-performance anxiety in the context of the growing women's game [00:22:28 - 00:24:32]

Where to Find Danielle Burns

- Twitter: @dburnsmsc

- LinkedIn: Danielle Burns

Where to Find Dr. Ian Cookson

Women's Football Hub

Key References

- Bolton Wanderers - Warrington Town Women Football Club - Exercise referral programs - ACL injuries in women's football - UEFA Women's Euro 2022

In this episode, host Carolyn Kent interviews Dr. Sinead Dufour, an associate professor at the Faculty of Health Science at McMaster University in Ontario and the director of pelvic health at the World of My Baby (The Womb). Dr. Dufour has over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist and a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Science.

• [00:00:40] Changes a female athlete's body goes through during pregnancy, including impacts on cardiovascular, respiratory, and pelvic floor systems
• [00:03:16] How cardiovascular and respiratory changes affect training for a football player during pregnancy
• [00:06:07] General exercise guidelines for pregnant women, including recommendations for pelvic floor muscle training
• [00:08:39] Benefits of exercise for pregnant women, including pelvic floor health, metabolic health, and mental health
• [00:10:47] Areas where more research is needed, such as contact sports and high-intensity exercise during pregnancy
• [00:14:14] Recommendations around high-intensity exercise during pregnancy
• [00:16:14] Screening tools that can be used to assess pregnant athletes, including pelvic floor dysfunction and energy availability
• [00:20:35] Contraindications and when a pregnant athlete should stop exercising

• Website: www.thewomb.ca

• Pelvic floor muscle training
• Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain
• Gestational diabetes
• Diastasis rectus abdominis
• Pelvic floor dysfunction inventory
• Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S)