Kinetic, Physiological and Fatigue Level Differences Depending on the Menstrual Cycle Phase and Running Intensity

Abstract

Background: Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle an athlete is in, some kinetic, physiological, and fatigue variables will show differences. The aim of this study is to analyze whether there are changes in these variables over the course of the menstrual cycle. Methods: Eight regularly practicing women runners and triathletes performed a maximal treadmill test and a submaximal test (6′ stages at 50%, 60%, and 80% of maximal aerobic speed) in each of the phases of the menstrual cycle: bleeding phase (day 2.4 ± 0.7), follicular phase (day 10.4 ± 2.2), and luteal phase (day 21.8 ± 2.1). Running dynamics were measured (using RunScribe) at the end of each test, as were lactate concentration, heart rate, and fatigue (evaluated on a scale of 0–5). Results: Higher shock (G) values were recorded in the bleeding phase (η2 = 0.27) and higher vertical spring stiffness (kN/m) was recorded in the follicular phase (η2 = 0.25). The phase of the menstrual cycle had a significant effect on average and peak heart rate, which was significantly higher in the follicular phase (η2 = 0.45 and η2 = 0.48, respectively). Conclusions: Higher vertical spring stiffness was observed in the follicular phase, in addition to higher peak and average heart rate.