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EMPOWERING

FEMALE ATHLETES Elevating female athlete performance and wellbeing is pivotal for fostering

Andrew Hearn, Higher Education Demonstrator in Strength and Conditioning, explains how Hartpury has enabled him to combine real-world experiences with his research journey. "The brilliant facilities and access to high-level athletes make Hartpury a great place to try and push boundaries. My experiences working with female athletes, opened my eyes to the lack of available information to help support female athletes which I wanted to help change. Due to the lack of female-specific data and physiological differences, current recommendations and training for females might be based on male-centric approaches, which may not be most optimal."

inclusivity and achieving sporting excellence. Prioritising their physical health, mental resilience, and equitable opportunities not only enhances athletic prowess but also sets a crucial example for future generations, promoting gender equality in sports. Two Hartpury PhD candidates, Andrew Hearn and Hannah Clarke are delving into the connection between female athletes' performance and their wellbeing, investigating how the menstrual cycle impacts factors like fatigue, muscle damage, and recovery in women participating in both rugby and football.

There are many opportunities for students to get involved with research projects inside and outside their studies through dissertations, module briefs and voluntary roles .