The Influence of Menstrual Cycle on Bioimpedance Vector Patterns, Performance, and Flexibility in Elite Soccer Players

Abstract

Purpose: To examine whether menstrual cycle affects body composition and bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) patterns, jumping and sprinting ability, and flexibility in elite soccer players. Methods: A total of 20 elite female soccer players (age: 23.8 [3.4] y, height: 1.63 [0.04] m, body mass: 61.4 [5.9] kg, and body mass index: 22.5 [2.4] kg/m2) were monitored during the early follicular and ovulatory phase across 2 consecutive menstrual cycles. Bioimpedance analysis was performed using foot-to-hand technology, and total body water and fat mass were determined by specific equations developed for athletes. Bioelectrical resistance and reactance were adjusted according to the BIVA procedures and plotted as a vector within the resistance–reactance graph. In addition, countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and sit and reach were assessed. Results: A time effect (P < .05) was found for body mass, total body water, bioelectrical resistance and reactance, and flexibility. Specifically, body mass increased (P = .021) along with a gain in total body water (P = .001) from the ovulatory to the early follicular phase, while it decreased from the early follicular to the ovulatory phase during the second menstrual cycle. The BIVA vector shortened during the early follicular phases (P < .001). No change in jumping and sprinting capacity was observed (P > .05). Flexibility was impaired during the early follicular phases (P < .05). Conclusions: Specific bioelectrical impedance analysis and BIVA procedures are able to detect menstrual cycle–induced changes in body composition in elite soccer players. The early follicular phase resulted in fluid accumulations and BIVA vector shortening. In addition, while menstrual cycle did not affect performance, a fluctuation in flexibility was observed.

Reference Percentiles for Bioelectrical Phase Angle in Athletes

“…All measurements were performed in resting conditions (9.00 AM) following standard procedures suggested for athletes [ 7 , 25 ]. Height was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm using a stadiometer.…”

Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Body Composition and Bioelectrical Phase Angle in Serie A Soccer Players: A Comparison of Two Consecutive Seasons

“…Among the methods for assessing body composition, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has recently gained relevance, especially in soccer [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ], where field and user-friendly methods are warranted [ 16 ]. Through the measurement and use of bioelectrical resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) in predictive equations, quantification of a wide range of body composition parameters is possible [ 17 , 18 ].…”

Body Composition Results of Caucasian Young Normal Body Mass Women in the Follicular Proliferative Phase, Measured for the Different Positions of Limbs

“…Each participant received the information about preparation to the study and was able to participate in the study only if she followed all the rules, in order to avoid the influence of the phase of the menstrual cycle [23] or conditions of measurements on the results obtained [15]. Participants were informed to avoid any alcoholic beverage, coffee, and other caffeine beverages; avoid any physical training; and to be fasting during the measurements (not eating and not drinking for 8 h before measurements) [24], as well as to urinate 30 min before the measurement and defecate on the day of the measurements, as within the previous study [25].…”