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

Official title

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

Overview

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

Detailed description

This study investigates the neuromuscular effects of menstrual cycle-based resistance training by comparing three distinct training protocols among female athletes with natural menstrual cycles and a control group of athletes using oral contraceptives. Hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual phases can impact muscle performance, recovery, and neuromuscular function. This trial aims to align training intensity with menstrual cycle phases to enhance neuromuscular adaptations.

Study Design and Population

The trial is a controlled, randomized, open-label design involving 60 recreationally active female athletes aged 18 and above. Participants are allocated into four groups:

N-PF: Natural menstrual cycle with increased training intensity during the follicular phase.

N-PL: Natural menstrual cycle with increased training intensity during the luteal phase.

N-C: Natural menstrual cycle with continuous training intensity across all phases.

OCP-C: Oral contraceptive users with continuous training intensity. Each participant completes a 13-week resistance training program tailored to her group's specific phase-aligned training protocol, with two sessions per week. To assess the neuromuscular impact, we perform pre- and post-intervention evaluations across three key menstrual phases: early follicular, late follicular, and mid-luteal.

Neuromuscular Assessments Primary outcomes include maximal knee extensor strength, assessed through isokinetic testing, and secondary measures cover neuromuscular activation, rate of force development (RFD), muscle stiffness, and vertical jump performance (CMJ). These assessments are conducted during each of the three menstrual phases pre- and post-intervention to capture phase-specific neuromuscular adaptations. Blood sampling for hormonal verification (estradiol and progesterone levels) accompanies each phase-specific testing session.

Methodology and Rationale The training intensity and volume are adjusted based on the participant's menstrual phase to leverage hormonal benefits, with estrogen levels typically promoting muscular strength in the follicular phase and progesterone affecting endurance in the luteal phase. We hypothesize that phase-specific training may yield greater improvements in strength, muscle stiffness, and overall neuromuscular efficiency.

This study's findings are expected to provide novel insights into optimizing training loads for female athletes according to hormonal cycles, with implications for improving performance, reducing injury risk, and advancing individualized training and rehabilitation protocols.

Interventions

• Other Resistance 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
• Other Resistance 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
• Other Continuous 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 asses

Primary outcome measures

• Maximal knee extensor strenght [Time frame: From baseline assessment prior to intervention to post-intervention at 13 weeks.]

Secondary outcome measures (4)

• Rate of Force Development (RFD) [Time frame: From baseline assessment prior to intervention to post-intervention at 13 weeks]
• Active muscle stiffness [Time frame: From baseline assessment prior to intervention to post-intervention at 13 weeks.]
• Voluntary Muscle Activation (%AV) [Time frame: From baseline assessment prior to intervention to post-intervention at 13 weeks.]
• Vertical Jump Height (Countermovement Jump - CMJ) [Time frame: From baseline assessment prior to intervention to post-intervention at 13 weeks.]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

• 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 criteria

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Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: Yes

Study design

Allocation

Randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Open label

Primary purpose

Basic science

Study locations

Reunion · 1 center

• Laboratoire IRISSE (Université de La Réunion) — Le Tampon

Identifiers

NCT: NCT06679491 · ULaReunion · AU1941 - 24.00913.000257

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗