Musculoskeletal Morphology and Joint Flexibility-Associated Functional Characteristics across Three Time Points during the Menstrual Cycle in Female Contemporary Dancers

Abstract

Findings are inconsistent with regards to whether menstrual cycle phase-associated changes in physical functioning exist. It is possible that such discrepancies are due to varying rigour in experimental approaches. The current study aimed to systematically evaluate any effect of carefully tracked menstrual cycle phase on precisely measured muscle structure and function in a physically active group (contemporary dancers). Eleven women aged (M [SD]) 23.5 [2.94] years, undergoing 10.5 [1.73] hours of contemporary dance practice and 6.12 [2.36] hours of other physical activity per week, were recruited. Sex hormone level (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), skin temperature and ovulation kits), physical pain assessments (Ice Water Test, Visual Analogue Scale, The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, Self-Estimated Functional Inability Because of Pain Questionnaire, and Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale), muscle architecture measurement (B-mode ultrasonography), and physical functioning (dynamometry, force-platform and electromyography) on both lower limbs were measured at three time points during one cycle, following three months of menstrual cycle monitoring. There was no difference in musculoskeletal flexibility variables between follicular, ovulatory, or luteal phases. Nonetheless, oestrogen change was associated with variability in 11 musculoskeletal variables, progesterone change was associated with variability in 7, and relaxin change was associated with variability in 15. Negative correlations existed between progesterone and flexibility and between oestrogen and jump variables. Moreover, oestrogen and relaxin were associated with increased musculoskeletal compliance, whilst progesterone was associated with increased muscle stiffness. In short, in absolute sex hormone levels, ‘inter-individual’ variances appear more impactful than ‘intra-individual’ variances. Not only are oestrogen and progesterone associated with differing musculoskeletal outcomes, but relaxin is also associated with musculoskeletal compliance changes. These effects are anticipated to impact jump height and flexibility, and hence, they could be expected to affect overall physical performance, including dance.

Minimal influence of the menstrual cycle or hormonal contraceptives on performance in female rugby league athletes

“…Indeed similar to the present study, both Pessali‐Marques et al. ( 2024 ) and Thompson et al. ( 2021 ) observed no alteration in CMJ or SJ height between MC phases but did report correlations between both estrogen and progesterone various musculoskeletal parameters (Pessali‐Marques et al., 2024 ), alongside an enhanced CMJ flight time during phase four compared to two (Thompson et al., 2021 ).…”

“…( 2024 ) and Thompson et al. ( 2021 ) observed no alteration in CMJ or SJ height between MC phases but did report correlations between both estrogen and progesterone various musculoskeletal parameters (Pessali‐Marques et al., 2024 ), alongside an enhanced CMJ flight time during phase four compared to two (Thompson et al., 2021 ). However, there are other reports of improvements in these indices during phases two and three of the MC (Ansdell et al., 2019 ; Pallavi et al., 2017 ), as well as a decline in strength‐based outcomes during phase one (Dam et al., 2022 ; Gordon et al., 2013 ; McNulty et al., 2020 ), alongside studies reporting the opposite (Davies et al., 1991 ; Phillips et al., 1996 ).…”