No effect of menstrual cycle on maximum dynamic strength in upper and lower body in strength-trained females: a six-arm cross-over study.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare maximal dynamic strength in the upper and lower body in six distinct phases of the menstrual cycle (MC) and well-being and pain sensation throughout the MC.

Methods: Ten strength-trained young women (age: 25.7±1.4 years, Body Mass Index [BMI]: 25.2±3.6) were tested with a one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the deadlift (DL) and the bench press (BP). Furthermore, a questionnaire about pain perception and perceived stress was obtained from the participants at six points in time within three consecutive MCs with two measurements in each MC. These moments in time were in the early, middle, and late subphases in the follicular and luteal phases.

Results: No differences were evident for absolute or relative 1RM for DL (P=0.82 and 0.73, respectively) and BP (P=0.99 and 0.99, respectively) over the MC. A time difference was detected in pain perception during the MC (P=0.02), but no influence on the stress score (P=0.52) was found.

Conclusions: The MC does not influence the dynamic maximal strength in the upper and lower body. Even though pain perception changed during the MC this does not seem to have an impact on women's maximum strength in the DL and BP on a group level.