Menstrual-cycle effects on mood and perceptual-motor performance

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.