| Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phases on Dynamic Balance Performance in Young Female Athletes: A Causal-Comparative Study |
| Paper ID : 1727-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Farzaneh Saki *, Sara Anbarian, Raziyeh Taheri, Farzaneh Ramezani Department of Exercise Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sports Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran. |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Dynamic balance is a key predictor of injury risk in athletes. Female athletes may experience cyclical variations in neuromuscular control and postural stability due to hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle. Although estrogen and progesterone are known to influence neuromuscular function, comprehensive studies examining phase-specific changes in dynamic balance remain limited. This study aimed to determine the effects of follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases on dynamic balance indices in healthy young female athletes. Methods: In this causal-comparative study, thirty physically active female athletes (age: 20.93 ± 1.38 years; BMI: 21.38 ± 2.36 kg/m²; minimum 3 years of training experience) with regular menstrual cycles (28-30 days) and no lower limb injuries in the past six months were recruited. Dynamic balance was assessed using the standardized Y-Balance Test in three directions: anterior, posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL), along with a composite score. Testing was conducted during specific days of each menstrual phase (follicular: days 3-5; ovulatory: days 13-15; luteal: days 21-23). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: A significant main effect of menstrual phase was found for anterior balance (F=12.70, p=0.001, η²=0.305). Post-hoc comparisons revealed significantly reduced anterior balance performance during the luteal phase compared to both follicular (p=0.001) and ovulatory (p=0.002) phases. No significant differences were observed in PM, PL, or composite scores across phases (p>0.05). Conclusion: Anterior stability seems specifically reduced during the luteal phase, probably because of hormonal effects on neuromuscular processing and motor control. These results have important practical implications, as anterior balance is crucial for preventing falls and enhancing athletic performance. Coaches and sports medicine professionals should consider hormonal status when designing training programs, performance assessments, and injury prevention plans for female athletes. |
| Keywords |
| Menstrual cycle; Dynamic balance; Female athletes; Injury prevention |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
