Exploring the Impact of Menstrual Cycle Phases on Agility Performance in Semi-Professional Female Soccer Players
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background/Objectives: To analyze how the different phases of the menstrual cycle affect agility in female football players; Methods: 11 female football players were selected from the 3rd tier of the Spanish Football Federation (3rd RFEF) and it was conducted an agility test (T-Test) to measure agility during the three phases of the menstrual cycle: menstrual, late follicular, and mid-luteal. These phases were determined through self-report and by using ovulation test strips for luteinizing hormone detection. Perceptual variables such as sleep quality, stress, muscle pain, and fatigue, as well as the rating of perceived exertion, were also collected; Results: No significant differences were found between the phases of the menstrual cycle (MC) and the Agility test (F(2,20) = 1.86; p = 0.18). No significant differences were found between any of the perceptual variables or RPE and the phases of the menstrual cycle (p > 0.05). Better results were obtained in the late follicular phase for all perceptual variables related to the wellness questionnaire; Conclusions: No significant differences were found regarding the influence of menstrual cycle phases on agility, although there was a slight trend of improvement in the mid-luteal phase. No significant differences were found in the perceptual variables. Both objective and perceptual variables should be taken into account for any study or training based on the menstrual cycle.
DOI: 10.3390/j8030033
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,448
OpenAlex ID: W4413893316