Studying Training Load and Menstrual Cycle Effects on Health and Performance in Elite and Non-Elite Female Athletes Over One Year

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of training load and menstrual cycle phases on performance, health, and biological markers in elite and non-elite female athletes. This observational study aims to understand how hormone changes during the menstrual cycle influence physiological parameters, injury rates, and sport emotions. The goal is to identify periods of high training load and prevent over-training by tracking various health and performance indicators over one year. The study involves 200 premenopausal female athletes who will be followed for 12 months. Participants will be tested at three time points reflecting different training load phases low, moderate, and high. Tests include blood sampling during menstrual cycle phases, stool sample collection for microbiome analysis, performance tests like VO2max and strength measurements, and questionnaires about health, nutrition, and psychological state. Both elite and non-elite athletes will be included, with schedules adjusted to their training plans and menstrual status. Participants will attend sessions to complete physical tests, provide biological samples, and fill out questionnaires multiple times during the study year. Blood tests will be drawn fasting and in the morning, timed with menstrual cycle phases when possible. Training load will be monitored using diaries, devices like Garmin watches, and subjective ratings. Injury data will be recorded by medical professionals. Researchers will analyze stool microbiome, serum metabolites, physical performance, body composition, and psychological measures. This comprehensive monitoring aims to clarify how menstrual cycle phases and training load affect female athletes over time.

Identifying Periods of High Training Load Considering the Menstrual Cycle Phases in Elite and Non-elite Female Athletes