RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06679491

Impact of Menstrual Cycle-Based Resistance Training on Neuromuscular Performance in Female Athletes

Effects of Menstrual Cycle-based Undulating Periodized Resistance Training in Women's Neuromuscular Abilities

Sponsor

Universite de La Reunion

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Nov 1, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Resistance Training Menstrual Cycle Hormones Female Athlete Women Health Oral Contraceptive Pill Muscle Strenght Periodized Training Neuromuscular Function

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the impact of menstrual cycle-based resistance training on neuromuscular function in female athletes. The primary questions it aims to answer are : * Does varying resistance training intensity according to menstrual phases improve maximal knee extensor strength? * How do different training protocols affect voluntary activation, rate of force development, muscle stiffness, and vertical jump height? Researchers will compare natural menstrual cycle groups with an oral contraceptive control group to determine if menstrual phase-specific training influences neuromuscular adaptations. Participants will: * Undergo 2 weekly resistance training sessions over 13 weeks with intensity adjustments based on menstrual phase * Complete periodic neuromuscular assessments across three menstrual phases: early follicular, late follicular, and mid-luteal before and after resistance training intervention

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria8

Female athletes with natural menstrual cycles (eumenorrheic): Participants must have regular menstrual cycles lasting between 21 and 35 days, with at least 9 cycles per year.
Women using a low-dose monophasic estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive.
Age 18 or older: Participants must be legal adults.
Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 30 kg/m².
No medical contraindications to high-level physical training or exercise.
Physically active: Engages in at least 3 hours of physical activity per week.
Informed consent: Provides written, informed consent to participate in the study.
Affiliation with a social security system (if applicable by local regulations).

Exclusion Criteria1

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Interventions

OTHERResistance periodized training program (N-PF)

This intervention consists of a 13-week structured resistance training program tailored to align with the natural menstrual cycle, focusing on intensified training during the follicular phase. Participants perform two resistance training sessions per week, each lasting 90 minutes, with intensity modulated based on the participant's menstrual phase. Intensity Modulation: Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): Training sessions are performed at a higher training load during both early and late follicular phases. The increased intensity leverages higher estrogen levels, which may support greater muscle strength and recovery during this phase. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Training sessions are conducted at a lower training load during both early and late luteal phases to accommodate the hormonal shifts associated with elevated progesterone.

OTHERResistance peioridized training program (N-PL)

This intervention consists of a 13-week structured resistance training program tailored to align with the natural menstrual cycle, focusing on intensified training during the luteal phase. Participants perform two resistance training sessions per week, each lasting 90 minutes, with intensity modulated according to the participant's menstrual phase. Intensity Modulation: Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): Training sessions are conducted at a lower training load during both early and late follicular phases to accommodate the hormonal environment of this phase. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Training sessions are performed at a higher training load during both early and late luteal phases. The increased intensity leverages the hormonal environment associated with elevated progesterone, which may affect muscle endurance and neuromuscular adaptations during this phase.

OTHERContinuous resistance training program (C)

This intervention consists of a 13-week structured resistance training program with a continuous training intensity maintained throughout the menstrual cycle. Participants perform two resistance training sessions per week, each lasting 90 minutes, with a consistent training load applied across all phases. Intensity Modulation: All Phases: Training sessions are conducted at a steady training load regardless of menstrual phase. This continuous approach is designed to provide a baseline for assessing neuromuscular adaptations without the influence of phase-specific intensity adjustments.