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Menstrual-cycle effects on mood and perceptual-motor performance
I M Cockerill1, J A Wormington, A M Nevill
1School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, U.K.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Women experience low energy and impaired cognitive function during their menstrual cycle. However, task performance remained consistent, suggesting mood effects on performance may not be reliable when study purpose is disguised.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Women's Health
Background:
- The menstrual cycle is associated with cyclical mood fluctuations.
- Previous research suggests potential impacts on cognitive and motor performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of the menstrual cycle on mood and perceptual-motor task performance.
- To determine if mood changes during the menstrual cycle reliably affect task outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-four female participants were tested during premenstrual, menstrual, and ovulatory phases.
- Mood was assessed using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and Profile of Mood States.
- Perceptual-motor task performance was measured using a computer-based tracking task.
- A male control group followed a pseudo-menstrual cycle protocol for mood assessment.
Main Results:
- Females reported lower energy and cognitive function during premenstrual and menstrual phases.
- No significant variation in perceptual-motor task performance was observed across menstrual cycle phases.
- Task performance remained stable despite reported mood changes.
Conclusions:
- Reported mood disturbances during the menstrual cycle did not translate to measurable performance deficits.
- Performance on perceptual-motor tasks may be maintained through compensatory strategies.
- Menstrual cycle and mood effects on performance may be less reliable than commonly assumed, particularly when assessment purpose is masked.