How the Menstrual Cycle Affects Immune Response and Recovery After Resistance Exercise in Healthy Women Aged 18 to 40

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 participants 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.

The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Immune Cell Activity and Recovery After Resistance Exercise