Influence of Menstrual Cycle on Internal and External Load in Professional Women Basketball Players

Abstract

The menstrual cycle can be seen as a potential determinant of performance. This study aims to analyze the influence of the menstrual cycle in women on sports performance, more specifically on the internal and external load of professional women basketball players. The sample consisted of 16 women players and 14 training sessions were recorded. A descriptive analysis of the mean and standard deviation of the variables according to the different phases of the menstrual cycle was performed, as well as an ANCOVA, partial Eta2 effect size criteria, and Bonferroni’s Post Hoc test to identify differences among phases. The results establish that ovulation is the phase in which higher values of external load are recorded and, therefore, the late follicular phase is the time of the cycle where a greater intensity in explosive distance, accelerations and decelerations are recorded. Considering women’s hormonal cycles, understanding their function and the individual characteristics of each athlete is essential since it allows for the development of specific training, the prevention of injuries and therefore positively affects the performance of women players. To this end, individual training profiles should be created in specific contexts, not following general rules. In addition, psychological factors and the specific position of the athletes should be monitored.

External Load Monitoring in Female Basketball: A Systematic Review

“…), and loss of participants, if necessary. Despite one of the studies aiming to measure physical demands at different stages of the menstrual cycle ( Arenas-Pareja et al, 2023 ), none of the included publications fulfilled any of the recommended guidelines for studying female athletes. These guidelines have been established recently for a better description of samples consisting of female athletes ( Elliott-Sale et al, 2021 ).…”

Recovery effect of self‐myofascial release treatment using different type of a foam rollers

“…Additionally, individuals who had experienced musculoskeletal injuries within the last 6 months from the date of the study, completed the rehabilitation process, or had any other conditions limiting physical activity were not eligible for the experiment 25 . The study included only a group of men, due to the inability to control the phase of the menstrual cycle, which affects endocrine activity, recovery capacity and pain sensation 26 , 27 .…”

Features of Special Physical Training for Female Athletes in Cossack Fight during Different Phases of a Specific Biological Cycle

“…An analysis of special literature on the theory and methodology of sports training for women shows that in many works the authors study the structural features and physiological processes of the female body in connection with reproductive function (Alfaro-Magallanes, Romero-Parra, 2023;Shakhlyna et al, 2016;Badenhorst et al, 2021). A number of studies reveal the peculiarities of the functioning of the female body and psychological processes under the influence of significant physical activity in different phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle (OMC) (Vorontsov, 2020;Arenas-Pareja & López-Sierra, Ibáñez, 2023). The works Mulyk (2016) Shakhlina, Chystyakova, and Avinov (2022), shows differences in the structure and functioning of the female body and the level of development of physical and psychophysical qualities depending on biological age and experience in sports.…”