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Power in the flow: how menstrual experiences shape women's strength training performance
Sofia Ryman Augustsson1, Anna Findhé-Malenica1
1Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
|March 13, 2025
Summary
Women
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Women's Health
Background:
- Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle (MC) can impact athletic performance.
- Limited research exists on women's strength training experiences across the MC.
- Understanding these experiences is crucial for personalized training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore women's perceptions of strength training during different menstrual cycle phases.
- To identify factors influencing strength training performance throughout the MC.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study design.
- Five recreational strength-training women (24-32 years) maintained exercise diaries.
- Semi-structured interviews and inductive content analysis were employed.
Main Results:
- Three themes emerged: follicular phase dynamics, performance peaks and troughs around ovulation, and luteal phase well-being.
- Strength training performance fluctuates across MC phases.
- Both physiological and psychological factors, alongside individual variability, influence performance.
Conclusions:
- A holistic approach is needed to manage MC-related physiological and psychological challenges.
- Individualized training strategies are essential due to unique performance fluctuations.
- General phase-based exercise protocols are not recommended.
Keywords:
conventional content analysisfollicular phaseluteal phasephysical performanceresistance trainingMore Related Videos
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