The effect of menstrual cycle phases on fencers neuromuscular performance

 

Introduction

Females’ sex hormones (i.e estrogen, progesterone and relaxin) fluctuation during the menstrual cycle is reported to have significant effects on the neuromuscular system (Hewett 2000). Although a few studies have described non-significant differences on the neuromuscular performance during the menstrual phases (Davies et al 1991, Brezzo et al 1994, Lebrun et al 1995) in a variety of athletes of different level, there is a lack of information concerning female fencers. Thus the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of menstrual phases on the jumping performance in elite female greek fencers.

Methods

A total of 10 eumenorrheic fencers, members of the Greek National team (age 24.4±5.1 years, Ht: 168.3±3.7 cm, Wt: 58.2±5 kg.), who engaged in fencing for 11.3±4.1 years, 5 times/week and 10 control  (age: 18.2±1.8, Ht: 168.8±5.9 cm, Wt: 58.8±6.1 kg), students of the University of Athens, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Science, were selected to complete this study. The fencers were followed a daily fencing session for two hours, including the technical and tactical skills practice and a training programme-combining plyometrics, strength and flexibility exercises. The control group was attending two to three moderate intensity classes weekly according to their physical education programme. The tests were performed during menstruation (M: between days 1-2), follicular phase (F: between days 10-13), and luteal phase (L: between days 23-26).  Follicular and luteal phases were determined by analyses of daily body temperature chart and confirmed by serum estradiol and progesterone levels during the preparatory test month.  All tests for a given subject were conducted at the same time of the day to eliminate variations in the performance (Atkinson G. and T. Reilly, 1995). In order to evaluate the jumping performance the subjects underwent the following Bosco tests: squat (SJ) and counter jumps (CJ) and repeated jumps for 15 sec (R15). Data were analyzed by a (2x3) MANOVA and Bonferonni post hoc analysis.

Results

SJ, CJ, R15 were not significantly differ across the cycle phases, but were significantly different between groups for SJ and CJ (23.6-26.9%, p<0.05).

Discussion/ Conclusions

The results suggest that variations in jumping performance were a function of the specificity of training rather than effects of the menstrual cycle.

 

References

[1]. Hewett T (2000) Sports Med, 29 (5): 313-327

[2]. Atkinson G. and T. Reilly (1995) Br. J. Sports Medicine, 21: 292-312

[3]. Davies B et al (1991), J.Sports Med Phys Fitness, 31: 532-537

[4]. Brezzo R et al (1994), Clinical kinesiology, 47 (4) 84-89.

[5]. Lebrun C, (1993) Eugene Ore., Microform Pub.