Effect of different phases of menstrual cycle on physical working capacity in Indian population

Women in large number are engaged in skilled and unskilled sectors of job and there is increasing participation of women in sports, Considering the fact that cyclical endocrine profile in females can have bearing on cardiovascular and respiratory function, in turn on physical capacity, The study of effects of phases of menstrual cycle on physical working capacity was undertaken in 40 female students of Bangalore Medical College. The subjects were instructed to come to the lab during each of three different phases of menstrual cycle. Resting heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), BP were recorded. Subjects were made to exercise on Bicycle Ergometer and their maximum aerobic capacity was assessed as PWC170 (Physical working capacity at the heart rate 170). On statistical analysis we found resting RR and resting HR high during luteal phase with 'P' values of P < 0.01, P < 0.01 respectively. We also found PWC170 decreased during luteal and menstrual phase with 'P' values of P < 0.05 and P < 0.01. From the present study it can be concluded that resting HR and RR are increased during the luteal phase. Also PWC170 is decreased during the luteal and menstrual phases, this can have an adverse effect on the physical work output of females during these two phases.