Fluctuations of state anxiety, spinal structure, and postural stabilityacross the menstrual cycle in active women

To investigate differences in state anxiety, spinal posture and mobility, postural competency, and stability across the menstrual cycle in active women.

Thirteen physically active women (18-25 years) with a regular menstrual cycle were recruited. Anxiety with the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory; spinal posture, mobility, and competency with a Spinal Mouse device (Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland); and postural stability with a Biodex Balance System SD (Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., Shirley, NY, USA) were evaluated across phases of the menstrual cycle.

No significant differences were observed between phases of the menstrual cycle for state anxiety, spinal posture, mobility, or competency (P > 0.05). No differences were found for static postural stability (P > 0.05); however, a significant difference was detected in dynamic postural stability within three phases of the menstrual cycle (P < 0.05). The highest values of overall stability, anterior-posterior and mediolateral indexes were at menses; the lowest values were at the midluteal phase.

State anxiety, spinal posture, mobility, and postural competence did not change across the menstrual cycle. However, dynamic stability declined in menses. Improving awareness of dynamic stability impairment during menses may be important toward injury prevention in active women.