Is there a difference toward strength, muscular endurance, anaerobic power and hormonal changes between the three phase of the menstrual cycle of active girls?

Background

Menstrual cycles are affected by the concentration of estrogen and progesterone hormones affecting the individual's functional and physical factors.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference (and relationship) toward strength, muscular endurance, anaerobic power and hormonal changes between the three (follicular, ovulation, luteal) phases of the menstrual cycle of active young girls.

Methods

Twenty young girls were selected randomly and purposefully in the age group from 20 to 30. Hormonal changes in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), one repetition maximum (1RM or strength) of upper body and lower body, and muscular endurance test with 60% 1RM of upper body and lower body in the three phases of the menstrual cycle were measured. Also, running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) was used to estimate anaerobic power.

Results

The results of this study showed that there was no significant difference between muscular strength and endurance in the three phases of the menstrual cycle (upper and lower body muscle strength: P = 0.13, P = 0.23; muscular endurance: P = 0.33, P = 0.5, respectively). Also, the results indicated no significant difference in anaerobic power in the three phases of the menstrual cycle (P = 0.45). In contrast, there was a significant difference between LH and FSH levels in the menstrual cycle phases (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The different phases of the menstrual cycle practically do not limit the physical and physiological performance of active young girls, and girls can participate in sports activities without worrying about a drop in performance.