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Our Research

For decades, knowledge in female athlete health has been built on research that was rarely centered on women. The WHSP Institute is changing that.

Our Research Model

We conduct and publish original research in-house, while also collaborating with leading institutions globally to advance female athlete health and performance.

WHSP Institute is the proud home of the Wu Tsai Female Athlete Program and a Member Institution and Research Partner of the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance.

The Wu Tsai Female Athlete Program at WHSP Institute was created to advance the female athlete-focused research Dr. Kate Ackerman has been leading as a part of the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance since 2021. This work is supported by the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance and the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation.

Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance logo
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The WHSP Research Approach

Icons representing different research study types
Not only is female athlete health and performance research sparse, it is complex. We use qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods approaches, including observational/cross-sectional, intervention/randomized controlled trials and data-driven epidemiological designs. Knowledge translation and behavior change research will help ensure we are maximizing the impact of our outcomes.

Our Research Areas

We are focused on the most critical issues for female athletes across the lifespan.

Effects across the lifespan

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)

Pregnancy and postpartum

Sex-based differences and menstrual cycle effects on sports performance strategies

Mental health and performance

Sports endocrinology and bone metabolism

Injury prevention and recovery

Intersections of race, gender, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status

Click here to browse select research from our team

WHSP Institute On-Site Research Capabilities

Physiology lab

Metabolic testing

Research-grade kitchen

Strength and conditioning facilities

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner

Blood biomarker assessments

3D motion capture system

X-ray and ultrasound

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (EPAT)

The WHSP Research Team

Advancing female athlete health and performance research across the globe.

Photo of WHSP Director of Research and Development: Dr. Trent Stellingwerff
WHSP Director of Research and Development
Dr. Trent Stellingwerff

Dr. Stellingwerff brings decades of leadership across various aspects of sport science and high-performance research, particularly in exercise physiology and sports nutrition. His recent work centers on advancing the science of female athlete health and performance, a core pillar of the WHSP Institute’s mission.

Most recently, as Chief Performance Officer at the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, he has overseen multidisciplinary health and performance teams, led major R&D initiatives and supported national team athletes in track and field, rowing, triathlon and mountain biking. He has contributed to more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, coauthored international consensus statements, including several with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Dr. Stellingwerff earned his PhD in Human Exercise and Skeletal Muscle Physiology from the University of Guelph followed by a Fellowship in Exercise and Muscle Physiology at the University of Maastricht. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Cornell University and has completed numerous advanced certifications, specialized leadership and performance programs from organizations worldwide.

In partnership with our on-site team, research collaborators from leading institutions around the world work with WHSP to drive advancements in female athlete health. Meet the experts here.
Map of WHSP Global Research Collaborators in various countries around the world
We are actively growing our research program. If you are passionate about female athlete health and interested in learning more about how to contribute, please contact us.