Dataset Information

The effects of menstrual cycle phase on physical performance in female soccer players.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Female soccer has grown extensively in recent years, however differences in gender-specific physiology have rarely been considered. The female reproductive hormones which rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle, are known to affect numerous cardiovascular, respiratory, thermoregulatory and metabolic parameters, which in turn, may have implications on exercise physiology and soccer performance. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to investigate potential effects of menstrual cycle phase on performance in soccer specific tests.

Methods

Nine sub elite female soccer players, all of whom have menstrual cycles of physiological length; performed a series of physical performance tests (Yo-Yo Intermittent endurance test (Yo-Yo IET), counter movement jump (CMJ) and 3x30 m sprints). These were conducted at distinct time points during two main phases of the menstrual cycle (early follicular phase (FP) and mid luteal phase (LP)) where hormones contrasted at their greatest magnitude.

Results

Yo-Yo IET performance was considerably lower during the mid LP (2833±896 m) as compared to the early FP (3288±800 m). A trend towards significance was observed (p = 0.07) and the magnitude based inferences suggested probabilities of 0/61/39 for superiority/equality/inferiority of performance during the mid LP, leading to the inference of a possibly harmful effect. For CMJ (early FP, 20.0±3.9 cm; mid LP 29.6±3.0 cm, p = 0.33) and sprint (early FP, 4.7±0.1 s; mid LP, 4.7±0.1 s, p = 0.96) performances the results were unclear (8/24/68, 48/0/52, respectively).

Conclusion

The results of this study are in support of a reduction in maximal endurance performance during the mid LP of the menstrual cycle. However, the same effect was not observed for jumping and sprint performance. Therefore, consideration of cycle phase when monitoring a player's endurance capacity may be worthwhile.

SUBMITTER: Julian R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5348024 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

The effects of menstrual cycle phase on physical performance in female soccer players.

Julian Ross R Hecksteden Anne A Fullagar Hugh H K HH Meyer Tim T

PloS one 20170313 3

<h4>Background</h4>Female soccer has grown extensively in recent years, however differences in gender-specific physiology have rarely been considered. The female reproductive hormones which rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle, are known to affect numerous cardiovascular, respiratory, thermoregulatory and metabolic parameters, which in turn, may have implications on exercise physiology and soccer performance. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to investigate potential effec ...[more]

PMID: 28288203

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Project description:Background:Strong evidence supports the use of the FIFA 11?+?injury risk reduction warm-up program among soccer players, but few studies have investigated its impact on physical performance and movement control in athletes younger than 12 years of age, or the athletes' opinions of participating in the program. Purpose:The primary purpose of this study was to measure the impact of the FIFA 11?+?program on movement control [Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) and Y-Balance test (YBT)], agility, vertical jump (VJ) height, and trunk muscle endurance compared to a standard warm-up in pre-teen female athletes over one indoor soccer season. A secondary purpose was to assess the athletes' tolerance and enjoyment of the program. Study Design:Cluster randomized controlled trial. Methods:All six teams in the U10 and U11 female divisions of a developmental-level soccer club were cluster randomized to the FIFA 11?+?program intervention group or the control group. Participants in the control group continued with a coach-determined warm-up for the duration of a five-month indoor soccer season. Pre- and post-season participants underwent physical testing using the agility T-test, Belt Mat vertical jump (VJ), and static plank tests; and two measures of neuromuscular control (LESS, YBT). Following the soccer season, the athletes in the intervention group also completed a bespoke Tolerance and Enjoyment questionnaire. Results:The 11?+?group (n = 25) increased their mean static plank hold time by 26.1?±?38.5 seconds compared to the control group (n = 18), who only increased by 2.1?±?37.1 seconds (p = 0.047). For all athletes, there were improvements in mean LESS score (0.6?±?1.3, p = 0.003), and T-test time (0.4?±?0.7, p = 0.001); however, YBT scores worsened by approximately 2% from pre- to postseason. No differences were found for VJ. Athletes tolerated the program well, but the majority described the enjoyment of completing the program as moderately low. Conclusion:This study suggests that the 11?+?program may improve some aspects of physical performance in 9-11 year-old female soccer players, but the low enthusiasm for the program could have longer term adherence implications. Level of Evidence:2b.

Dataset Information

The effects of menstrual cycle phase on physical performance in female soccer players.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

The effects of menstrual cycle phase on physical performance in female soccer players.

Similar Datasets

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