Bethany Canty, PhD Student

Improving the Health of Female Sprinters

Beth Canty is a research assistant at the University of Lincoln and is currently undertaking a PhD, in collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of Bath.

Her research focuses on the effect of the menstrual cycle on coordination within female sprint athletes, which is currently an under-researched area of focus in elite sport.

As part of her study, Beth is looking at three phases of the menstrual cycle, which align to hormone concentrations – early follicular, late follicular, and mid luteal – and is utilising the first-class facilities available in the University’s School of Sport and Exercise Science, including the motion capture hub in the Human Performance Centre.

We currently only have anecdotal evidence to suggest menstrual cycle has a detrimental effect on sprinters. This research could make a real difference to athletes by helping them to adapt their training to reduce injury risk and enhance performance.

Working in Partnership

Beth, who is studying part-time for her PhD, developed an interest in coordination analysis during her undergraduate studies. She is also a former sprinter, and is using some of these experiences within her research.

“I wanted to continue the work I had started as an undergraduate at Lincoln and develop my research to PhD level," explains Beth. "My postgraduate supervisory team has been great and have helped me to do this. I’ve developed excellent partnerships with academics and researchers who have a real passion for the subject. The hands-on support and guidance I’ve received from them has been first rate.

"I've also been using many of the University's research facilities on campus and have accessed the different support services that are available, for both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies. They really have made a difference."

Human Performance Centre

The motion capture hub is based in the University's Human Performance Centre, which features a range of specialist facilities and modern equipment for both staff and students to undertake a range of sport science assessments and practices during teaching, research, and consultancy.

Explore the Centre

Performance Testing

As well as conducting research for her PhD, Beth has also been working on a project with the University of Portsmouth, which is looking at breast health for female police officers and the impact that bra choices have on performance and wellbeing.

The National Police Wellbeing Service has employed experts from the University of Portsmouth’s Research Group in Breast Health and the University of Lincoln to develop an educational initiative that could eventually be used by all forces. It covers a range of topics including breast pain, breast size, bra fit issues, and appropriate breast support.

The team has also carried out an evaluation of police officer personal protective equipment (PPE), such as body armour and tactical vests, to understand how they interact with different bra styles. The trial is important because without the right breast support, a female officer is restricted physically, mentally, and also at a greater risk of being injured because they’re not properly fitted and protected.

Bethany Canty

Listen to University of Lincoln student Beth Canty as she talks about her research into the effects on the menstrual cycle on female sprinters and the new trial looking into breast health for female police officers, which she is working on with the University of Portsmouth and has been funded by the UK College of Policing.

'Best of Both Worlds'

Alongside her research assistant responsibilities and her PhD studies, Beth has also been working as an Associate Lecturer teaching applied biomechanics analysis and tutoring. 

“It may be hard work to juggle both teaching and research, but it really is the best of both worlds,” says Beth. “My ambition is to stay in academia and continue to teach while also conducting research that makes a real impact in society.”