Female musculoskeletal health over the lifespan

Over a female’s lifespan, physiological events such as puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause might go along with hormonal, structural or biomechanical changes, influencing various body systems [1,2]. Resulting structural tissue changes or changes in body constitution could affect musculoskeletal health, well-being and performance in various aspects, and could further contribute to arising medical issues, including musculoskeletal disorders and -pain [1,2]. For example, studies reported an increased rate of Achilles tendon ruptures in females after menopause [1] or an altered loading of foot structures during pregnancy resulting in e.g., a decrease in postural and gait stability [2]. [AG1.1]In the last couple of years, efforts have been made to understand and research females’ health over the lifespan (e.g. hormone changes within monthly cycle or menopause etc.) and the interaction with training, performance, and musculoskeletal disorders.Still, basic knowledge and practical recommendations for healthcare professionals, (sports) coaches, and women themselves, especially for female athletes, pregnant women or women undergoing perimenopause or menopause, are warranted. Therefore, a specific focus on female’s musculoskeletal health should be made or maintain a high priority in the research fields of:- Health prevention- Professional or recreational sports- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation- Pregnancy and postpartum maternal health & fitnessTopics of interest include females’ musculoskeletal health over the lifespan in all age groups. The collection will include articles about gender-specific medicine, physical therapy, sports science, sports medicine, biomechanics, coaching, and recreational musculoskeletal health. Further, studies in the field of complementary medicine, like kinesiology, as well as from professions dealing with women’s health, like midwifery, are also welcomed.We especially encourage authors of studies with high practical relevance and authors of applied studies to submit their studies, but also cross-sectional studies on- or other quantitative or qualitative evaluation of female musculoskeletal health are welcomed. Please note that studies must not necessarily focus on females’ health, but include only female participants in, e.g. biomechanical studies. Topic editors: Andreas Konrad, Caterina Fede, Anna Gabriel Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78683/female-musculoskeletal-health-over-the-lifespan