Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026
Effects of a Novel Neuromuscular Training Intervention on Jump, Sprint, and Change of Direction in Adult Female Soccer Players
Published on: June 10, 2025
Interactions between menstrual cycle, training load and strength performance in elite female weightlifters
Paul Schatz1, Franziska Ullrich1, Florian Siegert2
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sports University Cologne, Germany.
Objectives:
This study aimed to investigate the impact of the menstrual cycle on strength performance, training load, and subjective recovery in elite female weightlifters.
Design:
A six-month observational study involving eight eumenorrheic female weightlifters (age: 24.5 ± 5.3 years; body weight: 72 ± 11 kg), with menstrual cycle phases identified through diaries and daily temperature measurements. Saliva samples were collected every two days for three months to confirm eumenorrheic cycles.
Methods:
Back squat strength was assessed during training sessions using an inertial measurement unit (ENODE Sensor). Subjective recovery was evaluated via the Short Recovery and Stress Scale.
Results:
Out of 32 potential cycles, 24 (75%) were recorded, with a mean cycle length of 27.0 ± 2.5 days. No direct impact of menstrual cycle phases on back squat performance was found. However, during moderate training weeks, a significant performance decrease was observed in the late luteal phase compared to the early follicular phase and during low training weeks. Short Recovery and Stress Scale scores showed no significant changes across phases.
Conclusions:
The menstrual cycle alone does not significantly affect strength capacity or perceived recovery in elite weightlifters. However, strength performance is significantly reduced in the late luteal phase when training load is moderate. Further studies should examine the menstrual cycle's interaction with other influencing factors.
More Related Videos
12:59Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
07:30Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
02:18The Equilibrium Binding Constant and Binding Strength
03:05Acid Strength and Molecular Structure
In the absence of any leveling effect, the acid strength of binary compounds of hydrogen with nonmetals (A) increases as the H-A bond strength decreases down a group in the periodic table. For group 17, the order of increasing acidity is HF < HCl < HBr < HI. Likewise, for group 16, the order of increasing acid strength is H2O < H2S < H2Se < H2Te. Across a row in the periodic table, the acid strength of binary hydrogen compounds increases with increasing...
02:39The Angiosperm Life Cycle
01:20Strength of Cement
For compressive strength tests, ASTM C 109-05 standards prescribe a cement-sand mix ratio of 1:2.75 and a water/cement ratio of 0.485 for making 2-inch cubes. These cubes are mixed, cast, and cured in saturated lime water at 23°C until testing. Flexural strength testing, outlined in...