Association between the menstrual cycle and fitness tests in female collegiate soccer players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the menstrual cycle and the re sults of specific physical fitness tests for soccer players. Twenty-three female collegiate athletes (18 to 22 years) participated in this study. Their menstrual cycle was divided into 3 phases: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, and the luteal phase. Vertical jump, standing long jump, 30-meter sprint, pro-agility shuttle, and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 were assessed as fitness tests. The data of 7 participants could be analyzed. No significant differences were observed between the three menstrual phases. However, there was a strong posi tive correlation between the time of the 30-meter sprint (0 to 10 m) and the estradiol levels in the menstrual phase (r = 0.95). There was also a strong negative correlation between the time of the 30-meter sprint (0 to 30 m) and the estradiol levels in the menstrual phase (r = ­0.91), and the progesterone levels in the luteal phase (r = ­0.87). These results suggest that some physical factors in female collegiate soccer players may be affected by specific phases of their menstrual cycle and accompanying hormonal changes.