Neuromuscular performance changes throughout the menstrual cycle in physically active females
Lee Weidauer1,2, Mary Beth Zwart2, Jeffrey Clapper3
1Ethel Austin Martin Program in Human Nutrition, South Dakota State University, Brookings, United States of America.
Objectives:
To determine changes in neuromuscular performance throughout the menstrual cycle in females aged 18-25.
Methods:
Fifty physically active college females (25 on oral contraceptives (OC)) were recruited to participate. Data collection visits coincided with early-follicular (Fp), ovulatory (Op), and the mid-luteal (Lp) phases. Isokinetic peak torque at the knee (IPT) was measured at 60°/sec, 180°/sec, and 300°/sec. Grip force was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Plasma estradiol and progesterone confirmed menstrual cycle and serum relaxin was screened as a potential covariate.
Results:
Grip strength was lower during Fp (30.1±0.7kg) than during Op (31.5±0.7 kg, p=0.003) and Lp (32.6±0.7 kg, p<0.001). IPT at 60°/sec was lower during Fp (83±14 nM) than during the Op (86±15 nM, p=0.02). IPTs at 180°/sec and 300°/sec were lower during Fp than Op and Lp (180°:54±10 vs. 58±10 and 61±11 nM [both, p<0.001]; 300°: 43±9 vs. 46±9 and 47±9 nM [both<0.001]. The OC group-by-phase interaction was not significant for any of the outcomes.
Conclusions:
Results indicate that muscular performance is diminished during Fp and the lack of group-by-phase interaction indicates that this effect is not hormone-related. These data indicate that females may be at a greater risk of injury due to decreased strength during Fp than other phases of their cycle.
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