Identifying Periods of High Training Load Considering the Menstrual Cycle Phases in Elite and Non-elite Female Athletes

Launched by WINGATE INSTITUTE · Apr 16, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different phases of the menstrual cycle might affect the training and performance of female athletes. Researchers want to understand how these hormonal changes influence factors like physical performance, body measurements, emotional well-being, gut health, and injury risks in both elite (high-level) and non-elite (regular) female athletes. The goal is to help coaches and trainers identify when athletes might be at risk of overtraining, which can lead to injuries.

To participate, women must be competitive athletes aged between 18 and 62, either competing at a national or international level (elite) or engaging in at least three hours of physical activity each week (non-elite). Participants will be followed for one year and will be tested at three different times, each reflecting distinct menstrual cycle phases. It's important to note that this study cannot include women who are pregnant, nursing, using certain drugs that might affect performance, or have any medical conditions that could impact their health or athletic performance.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Elite athletes are defined as participating and competing at national and/or international level at their sports.
• • Non-elite athletes are defined as performing at least 3 hours of physical activity per week.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Currently pregnant or lactating or planning a pregnancy in the following year.
• • Regular drug use which may affect performance, including but not limited to performance enhancing drugs.
• • Any medical diagnosis, including recent or current injury, which could affect performance and/or health under the discretion of the study team.