Ms-represented: strategies to increase female representation in sports cardiology research

Female athletes are unduly under-represented in sports cardiology research, resulting in an inferior knowledge base to inform clinical management.1 Accurate and timely diagnosis of pathology in female athletes using electrocardiography or cardiac imaging is currently limited by our poor understanding of the ranges of normality in the female athlete’s heart.2 This editorial seeks to identify factors contributing to inequitable sex representation in sports cardiology research and proposes strategies to promote greater female athlete engagement (box 1). Box 1The six principles for sex parity in sports cardiology research 1. Commit to multilevel sex parity* In research samples, on editorial boards, among reviewers and in the research team. 2. Rethink archaic exclusions* Minimise exclusion criteria that affect females (ie, menstrual status, hormonal contraceptives). 3. Increase resources* Designate funding for female-specific enquiries. Make allowances for the additional...

Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine - February 7, 2024 Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Mitchell, A., Janssens, K., Howden, E. J., La Gerche, A., Orchard, J. J. Tags: BJSM Editorial Source Type: research