Injuries pose a significant risk in both community and professional sports, prompting a shift in warm-up practices toward injury prevention. As a leading musculoskeletal injury Physio in Inglewood, we have seen AFLW injury numbers increasing but are thankfully preventable. 

With the rise of elite female sports, notably AFLW, has emphasized the need for tailored warm-up routines to mitigate the heightened injury risks for female athletes compared to male athletes.  

The Current Risks

Studies indicate that female AFLW players face a 9.2 times greater risk of ACL injuries and a 2 times higher risk of concussions compared to their male counterparts, reflecting broader trends in female athletics.(1) 

Research across various sports has demonstrated the importance of dynamic warm-up programs in reducing injury rates.  

These programs, characterized by dynamic movements and targeted exercises, have shown reductions of up to 50% in lower leg injuries and up to 70-80% in ACL injuries.(2,3)  

Traditional vs New Warm Up Protocol

Unlike traditional static warm-ups, dynamic routines incorporate elements like jumping/landing, change of direction drills, and strength exercises to better prepare athletes for the demands of play.(3) 

Introducing Prep-To-Play

The AFL has introduced the 'Prep To Play' warm-up program, comprising a 20-minute session involving:

1. Dynamic warm-up exercises

2. Football skills practice

3. Strength training, and

4. Educational sessions with your coach or your local Perth Physio.  

The program emphasizes elements crucial for injury prevention, such as jumping/landing techniques and change of direction drills.  

The program has step-by-step instructions and links to instructional videos to facilitate easy access to proper form and execution. This link will take you to the Prep To Play Program -> AFLW Prep-To-Play Program

 While some components of these warm-ups may already be common in community sport, the implementation of ALL aspects of the program enhances the effectiveness.

By implementing comprehensive warm-up programs, teams and clubs can expect to see improvements in player availability, enjoyment, and performance. 

This proactive approach to injury prevention not only safeguards player health but also fosters the sustainability and enjoyment of sport. 

For further information or professional assistance with implementing these warm-up routines, feel free to call us at our Inglewood Physio Clinic on (08) 6468 6425 or Click here to book online

References 

1. Renstrom, P., et al., Non-contact ACL injuries in female athletes: an International Olympic Committee current concepts statement. Br J Sports Med, 2008. 42(6): p. 394-412. 

1. Finch, C. F., et al. (2016). Preventing Australian football injuries with a targeted neuromuscular control exercise programme: comparative injury rates from a training intervention delivered in a clustered randomised controlled trial. Inj Prev 22(2): 123-128. 

1. Bizzini, M. and J. Dvorak (2015). FIFA 11+: an effective programme to prevent football injuries in various player groups worldwide-a narrative review. Br J Sports Med 49(9): 577-579.