By Danielle Weedon (B Physio), Director, MediRecruit
The 2026 Women in Sport Congress (WISC), presented by the Australian Sports Commission and Australian Institute of Sport, highlighted the rapidly evolving landscape of female athlete health, performance and injury prevention.
Held in Brisbane earlier this year, the biennial congress brought together more than 400 sports scientists, physiotherapists, researchers, clinicians, coaches and sporting organisations from across Australia and internationally. A recurring theme throughout the event was the growing recognition that female athletes require evidence-based, individualised support systems that reflect their unique physiological, psychological and social needs.
For physiotherapists and allied health professionals, the conference showcased just how critical our role has become in supporting female athletes across all stages of life and performance.
One of the most important discussions centred around adolescent girls in sport and the alarming dropout rates among teenage female athletes. Research presented by Associate Professor Michelle Smith from the The University of Queensland revealed that fewer than 20 per cent of girls aged 15–17 meet Australia’s physical activity guidelines, while approximately 75 per cent drop out of team sports during adolescence.
Importantly, the reasons extend far beyond physical performance. Social connection, confidence, enjoyment, mental wellbeing and the pressure to perform all significantly influence whether young girls remain involved in sport. The findings reinforced the importance of creating supportive sporting environments that prioritise both wellbeing and participation, not just competition.
Concussion management in adolescent female athletes was another standout topic. Physiotherapist Anna O’Loughlin highlighted that female athletes continue to be underrepresented in concussion research despite sustaining concussions at significantly higher rates than males. Her findings demonstrated that girls often experience longer recovery periods, greater academic disruption and more complex symptoms following concussion.
For physiotherapists working in sport, schools or private practice, this serves as an important reminder that early recognition, referral and rehabilitation can have a major impact on long-term recovery outcomes.
Another major focus at WISC 2026 was pregnancy and postpartum return to sport in elite athletes. Physiotherapists and sports organisations are increasingly developing structured frameworks to support athletes throughout pregnancy and their return to competition.
Australian Athletics physiotherapist Victoria Kahn discussed programs supporting elite track and field athletes through motherhood, while Queensland Rugby League presented postpartum return-to-play pathways designed specifically for female athletes. These initiatives reflect a growing understanding that pregnancy should not automatically signal the end of an athletic career.
Pelvic health also emerged as a key area of focus. Research presented by Dr Jodie Dakic found that up to 80 per cent of elite female athletes experience pelvic floor symptoms, yet very few discuss these concerns with their support teams. The development of sport-specific pelvic health screening tools could become a significant advancement for athlete wellbeing and performance management in the coming years.
One of the most impactful discussions throughout the congress surrounded the FAIR Consensus — the Female, woman and/or girl Athlete Injury pRevention project led by Professor Kay Crossley from La Trobe University and international collaborators. The project developed 56 recommendations aimed at improving injury prevention strategies for female athletes through evidence-based policy, education, training and implementation frameworks.
Importantly, the consensus acknowledged that injury prevention in women’s sport requires more than simply adapting male-based research. Female athletes need dedicated research, tailored environments and targeted support systems that consider both biological and gender-related factors.
For the physiotherapy profession, the message from WISC 2026 was clear: female athlete health is no longer a niche area of sports medicine it is becoming central to the future of sports performance, participation and injury prevention.
As women’s sport continues to grow across Australia, physiotherapists will play an increasingly important role in shaping safe, supportive and high-performing environments for athletes at every level, from grassroots participation through to elite competition.
The research and conversations presented at WISC reinforce the importance of continuing to invest in education, advocacy and evidence-based care that truly reflects the needs of female athletes.
Article inspired by “Women’s sport science research showcased at WISC” by Melissa Trudinger for the Australian Physiotherapy Association, published 1 May 2026.