Study of Menstrual Cycle-Based Resistance Training Effects on Neuromuscular Strength in Female Athletes

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how resistance training adjusted to menstrual cycle phases affects neuromuscular function in female athletes. The study focuses on whether training intensity changes aligned with menstrual phases improve maximal knee extensor strength and other neuromuscular measures like voluntary activation, rate of force development, muscle stiffness, and vertical jump height. The trial compares female athletes with natural menstrual cycles to those using oral contraceptives to understand hormonal influences on training adaptations. Participants are assigned to one of four groups three with natural menstrual cycles receiving different resistance training intensities either intensified during the follicular phase, luteal phase, or continuous training across all phases, and a control group of oral contraceptive users undergoing continuous intensity training. Each group completes a 13-week resistance training program with two 90-minute sessions per week, with intensity modulated according to the menstrual cycle phase or contraceptive use. Throughout the study, participants undergo neuromuscular evaluations before and after the training period across the early follicular, late follicular, and mid-luteal phases. Assessments include maximal knee extensor strength, muscle activation, rate of force development, muscle stiffness, and vertical jump height. Blood samples verify hormone levels during testing. The study aims to provide insights for optimizing training based on menstrual phases to improve performance and neuromuscular health in female athletes.

Impact of Menstrual Cycle-Based Resistance Training on Neuromuscular Performance in Female Athletes