Taking a comprehensive approach to studying, treating, and empowering the female athlete
The Wu Tsai Female Athlete Program is dedicated to addressing the most relevant questions surrounding physiology and performance for female athletes through interdisciplinary research and clinical care. Our research directly informs our clinical practices, allowing us to establish best practices and standards of care for female athletes across their lifespans. We provide athletes and coaches with valuable tools for managing training during periods of optimal health, as well as during illness and injury.
In our program, we define “female” and “athlete” in the broadest possible terms. Our definition of “female” includes transgender females, as well as individuals assigned female at birth, regardless of their current gender identity or expression. Additionally, our definition of “athlete” encompasses athletes of all abilities and ages, including athletes whose goals may range from participation and improved health to achieving peak performance.
Through our work, we are committed to:
- Supporting increased participation, retention, well-being, and performance of all female athletes
- Actively preventing, treating, and understanding
- Researching new treatment approaches related to relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S)
- Providing continuity of care for girls and women involved in sports
- Identifying and addressing the specific needs of female athlete populations at different stages of life
- Collaborating with established leaders in clinical and translational research fields
- Informing world-class clinical care and fundamental sports performance research
- Addressing research gaps from clinical, medical, and psychosocial perspectives to ensure equal access to the benefits of sports participation for all athletes, regardless of gender
Our ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive set of best practices for integrated, holistic clinical care for female athletes, as well as advancements in the field of sports science. Recognizing the significant physical, emotional, social, and professional benefits of sports participation, we are confident that our work will elevate female health and performance on a global scale. As a member of the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, we are also actively developing new models for outreach, education, and training to support current and future generations of female athletes, scholars, clinicians, and researchers.
Learn more about the Female Athlete Program at Boston Children’s Hospital