Podbit · Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
Most coaches don't know that over 80% of ACL tears in female athletes appear to occur during their menstrual cycle, likely due to hormonal effects on ligament laxity. Awareness doesn't prevent games from being played, but it should drive targeted hip stability and deceleration training year-round.
Where this was said
At 38:28 · chapter starts 37:09
The ACL disparity between male and female athletes is well known, but Kula's explanation goes beyond the usual anatomical explanation of wider hips and greater Q-angle. He cites research — with the caveat that he may be slightly misquoting the exact figure — suggesting that over 80% of ACL tears in female athletes occur during their menstrual cycle, with hormonal fluctuations likely causing increased ligament laxity and altered neuromuscular control. [1] — Brian Kula "Most coaches don't know that over 80% of ACL tears in female athletes appear to occur during their menstrual cycle, likely due to hormonal …" 38:28 This creates a genuine dilemma: knowing the risk period doesn't mean a female athlete can sit out a playoff game. What coaches can do is ensure year-round programming targets external hip rotation strength and knee valgus control, which reduces the forces on the ACL during the high-risk deceleration and change-of-direction movements that most commonly cause non-contact tears. Kula notes that many ACL tears are non-contact — meaning they happen because the athlete's body can accelerate into positions it can't decelerate out of safely, which is a training correctable problem even if the hormonal window cannot be managed directly.
Research suggests over 80% of ACL tears in female athletes occur during their menstrual cycle, likely due to hormonal effects on ligament laxity.
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