Eccentric Knee Extension Torque Differs Across Menstrual Cycle Phases in High-Level Female Athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Eccentric knee extension torque is crucial for athletic performance and knee stability.
• Female athletes exhibit performance and injury rate differences across the menstrual cycle.
• The impact of menstrual cycle phases on female athletes' eccentric knee extension torque remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in eccentric knee extension torque among high-level female athletes across menstrual cycle phases.
• To explore the relationship between sex hormones and knee torque in these athletes.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one female collegiate athletes were assessed for isometric and eccentric knee torque using an isokinetic dynamometer.
• Menstrual cycle phases (early follicular, late follicular, mid-luteal) were confirmed via cycle day, ovulation tests, and serum hormone analysis.
• Statistical analyses included linear mixed-effects models and correlation tests to assess torque differences and hormone associations.

Main Results:

• Eccentric knee extension torque significantly varied across menstrual cycle phases (P = .025 to .042), being higher in the mid-luteal phase compared to the late follicular phase.
• Isometric knee torque did not show significant differences across cycle phases (P > .475).
• Testosterone was inversely correlated with both isometric and eccentric knee extension torque when controlling for body fat mass (r = -.509 to -.315).

Conclusions:

• Sex hormones appear to have a minor influence on eccentric knee extension torque in elite female athletes.
• These findings contribute to understanding physiological factors affecting female athletic performance and knee function throughout the menstrual cycle.