Performances of Female Olympians: Menstrual Cycle Influences?

A number of studies have been conducted to determine if menstrual phase has an influence on performance.  Maximal oxygen uptake (a marker of aerobic ability) has been found to be unchanged between menses and mid-cycle for both non-active and active women.  Some inter-individual variation has been noted however.  Strength has also been shown to be consistent throughout the cycle (e.g. grip strength, knee extension exercises) as was anaerobic, or high intensity, activity (e.g. running on treadmill with high incline until fatigue).  Results from one study that included an assessment of menstrual symptoms demonstrated that power performance (maximal jump power) was lower during menses than mid-cycle for women with menstrual symptoms.  Therefore, results of research studies, when taken as whole, suggest that for athletic women menstrual cycle phase does not compromise performance although the presence of premenstrual or menstrual syndrome symptoms might exert a negative influence for some individuals.

Barbara Bushman, Ph.D., FACSM
Professor - Dept. Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Missouri State University

Springfield Missouri