Impact of the Menstrual Cycle Phases on the Movement Patterns of Sub-Elite Women Soccer Players during Competitive Matches

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the menstrual cycle phases on the movement patterns of sub-elite women soccer players during competitive matches over three consecutive seasons. Individual movement data were analyzed and compared in eight players from the second French League at the early follicular (EF), late follicular (LF) and mid-luteal (ML) phases of their menstrual cycle, determined by the calendar method. The movement patterns, expressed as meters per minute, were recorded during competitive matches using devices placed on the player’s ankle. Our results showed significantly lower distances covered at moderate and high velocity in the EF phase than in the LF and ML phases (Cohen’s d effect size = 1.03 and 0.79, respectively). The total distance covered during matches and the number of sprints also were reduced during EF compared with LF (d = 0.78 and 0.7, respectively). Overall, the total distance and distance covered at low velocity were significantly lower during the second half-time of the matches (d = 1.51), but no menstrual cycle phase × game period interaction was noted. In conclusion, our study suggests that EF may impact the movement pattern of sub-elite women soccer players during competitive matches, without any modulation of this effect by the playing time. Despite the low sample size, these results can be useful for coaches and support staff to modulate training loads and player rotation during soccer games.

Differences in Psychological Variables and the Performance of Female Futsal Players according to Playing Position, Match Result and Menstruation

“…More specifically, in the field of soccer, it has been observed that the distances covered at moderate and high speeds, the total distance covered, and the number of sprints are significantly different depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle in which the player is, affecting the movement pattern of the players during competitive matches without the total playing time modulating this effect [21]. Thus, the previous research divided the menstrual cycle into three phases: the early follicular phase (menstruation, day 1-4), late follicular phase (day 10-13), and mid-luteal phase (day [20][21][22][23]. The results showed that the total distance and the distances run at moderate and high intensity were lower during the early follicular phase than in the late follicular phase.…”

“…The results showed that the total distance and the distances run at moderate and high intensity were lower during the early follicular phase than in the late follicular phase. In addition, the number of sprints was found to be higher in the late follicular phase than in the early follicular and mid-luteal phases, with pain, discomfort and disturbed mood listed as some of the factors influencing low performance during the early follicular phase [ 21 ]. These symptoms seem to be one of the main reasons why sportswomen use hormonal contraceptives, as they allow them to prevent the negative effects of the menstrual cycle and prevent it from interfering with training and competition [ 25 ].…”

“…These differences have a significant impact on the performance and health of futsal players as they influence, among other factors, aspects such as the injury ratio, with previous research conducted in futsal high-level tournaments (Malaysian Games) demonstrating that females had 358.21 injuries per 1000 h of training and competition in the event compared to 247.04 injuries for males, despite the fact that there were no differences in the conditions of competition and general aspects by gender [ 20 ]. However, the influence exerted by menstruation on the performance of female futsal players must also be considered [ 21 , 22 ]. In this regard, previous research has shown that certain parameters of sports performance are affected during the menstrual cycle of female elite athletes [ 22 ].…”

“…In this regard, previous research has shown that certain parameters of sports performance are affected during the menstrual cycle of female elite athletes [ 22 ]. In soccer, the decrease in distance run at moderate and high intensities and the number of sprints performed [ 21 ], as well as the decrease in attention and affect, were highlighted [ 23 ]. In endurance athletes, more than 70% and 50% of the athletes reported reduced fitness and performance, respectively, during the different phases of the menstrual cycle, with bleeding being the phase in which most athletes reported the worst fitness and performance.…”

Orta Düzeyde Aktif Genç Kadınlarda Menstrual Döngü Fazlarının Egzersiz Performansı, Vücut Sıcaklığı ve Yorgunluk Düzeyleri Üzerine Etkisi

“…3,21,22,23 Ayrıca laboratuar ve saha verilerinin çelişkili sonuçlar vermesi, egzersiz performansını değerlendirirken hangi testlerin kullanılması gerektiğini de zorlaştırmaktadır. 24 Bazal vücut ısısı eğrileri veya steroid hormon seviyeleri olmadan yumurtlamanın gerçekten gerçekleştiğini belirlemek imkânsızdır. Kadınların erkeklere göre ısı stresine (aşırı sıcak bir ortamda vücudun ısısını sabit tutmak için gösterdiği çaba) daha az toleranslı oldukları düşünülüyordu, ancak o zamandan beri, benzer aerobik kapasiteye sahip erkekler ve kadınlar arasında ısıya alışmaları ve aynı göreli yoğunlukta egzersiz yapmaları koşuluyla, termoregülasyonda cinsiyet farklılıkları olmadığı gösterildi.…”