Actively Recruiting
The Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Immune Cell Activation and Recovery After Resistance Exercise in Healthy Women
Led by University of Central Florida · Updated on 2025-05-22
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how the menstrual cycle affects immune cell activation, recruitment, and recovery after resistance exercise in healthy women who regularly train with resistance exercises. The study focuses on women aged 18 to 40 and aims to understand if different menstrual phases influence neutrophil behavior and markers of muscle damage and recovery. The study compares immune responses and recovery outcomes across three specific menstrual phases: early follicular, late follicular, and mid-luteal. Participants will complete resistance exercise routines involving belt squats, hex bar deadlifts, and plyometric drop jumps. The intensity of these exercises is tailored based on each participant's maximum strength to ensure consistency. Assessments occur during three menstrual cycle phases to observe changes in immune cell activity and recovery. The study is observational and tracks natural variations without introducing experimental treatments. During the study, participants will provide blood samples to measure immune cell activation and muscle damage markers. They will also wear an accelerometer and complete questionnaires to monitor sleep, mood, and recovery. The research team will measure outcomes such as neutrophil recruitment, systemic chemokine levels, muscle function including range of motion and strength, and subjective recovery indicators. The entire participation spans an average of four months to cover all phases and assessments.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Immune Cell Activity and Recovery After Resistance Exercise
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Women between the ages of 18 and 40
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Healthy based on medical history and readiness questionnaires
- Actively resistance training for at least 6 months with minimum 3 sessions weekly including at least one lower body session
- Pre-menopausal with regular menstrual cycles and clear start of menses
- Not pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study
- No use of hormonal birth control or intrauterine devices in past 3 months
- Able to recall approximate start dates of last 6 menstrual cycles
- Willing to follow study instructions including avoiding exercise, alcohol, and caffeine before testing
- No previous or current lower body injuries limiting performance
- Not regularly taking medications that interfere with the study
- Likely to have successful blood draws as determined by a phlebotomist
You will not qualify if you...
- Do not consent to participate
- Unfit based on medical or activity history
- Currently taking medications that may affect study results
- Have chronic illness needing medical care
- Not meeting resistance training requirements
- Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study
- Irregular periods or diagnosed with absence of menstruation
- Using performance-enhancing drugs
- Using or recently used hormonal birth control or intrauterine devices
- Unlikely to have successful blood draws
- Weigh less than 110 pounds
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 4 months
Participants are observed during different phases of their menstrual cycle while performing resistance exercises to assess immune cell activity and recovery.
Multiple visits during early follicular, late follicular, and mid-luteal menstrual phases
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida, United States, 32816
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jessica M Moon
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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