Comparison of Weekly Training Loads in Division I Lacrosse Athletes Using Hormonal Contraceptives Versus Nonusers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Hormonal contraceptives (HC) are used by approximately half of female collegiate athletes.
• Limited research exists on the effects of HC use on athletic performance.
• Understanding workload differences in athletes using HC is crucial for performance optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare weekly training loads between Division I female lacrosse players using HC and nonusers.
• To investigate potential differences in objective performance metrics during the competitive season.
• To contribute to the understanding of HC's role in female athlete performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized global positioning system (GPS) units to collect objective training data over a 16-week competitive season.
• Measured workload variables including total distance, maximum speed, accelerations/decelerations, metabolic equivalent distance, and sprint distance.
• Employed a Bayesian hierarchical linear regression model to compare weekly workload sums between HC users (n=16) and nonusers (n=8).

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were found in any weekly summed workload variables between the HC user group and the nonuser group (all p > 0.05).
• These findings indicate that hormonal contraceptive use, in isolation, may not be a primary determinant of training load differences.
• The results contrast with some previous literature, highlighting a need for further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Training load differences in female lacrosse players are likely multifactorial and not solely attributable to hormonal contraceptive use.
• Further research is warranted to explore the nuanced relationship between HC use and athletic performance.
• An individualized approach is recommended for assessing performance variations in athletes using hormonal contraceptives.