The effects of menstrual cycle phases on anaerobic and short-term maximal performances and mood states in female athletes

Objective: To investigate the effect of MCPs on anaerobic and short-term maximal performances, as well as mood states among physically active young females.

Methods: Fourteen moderately active female athletes (age 21 ± 2 years, height 162 ± 5 cm, body mass 56.0 ± 4.0 kg) undertook squat jump, countermovement jump, and Wingate tests in randomized three MCPs (menstrual, MP; luteal, LP; and follicular, FP). Females were asked to respond to self-administered questionnaires (Profile of Mood States and Hooper) at the beginning of each session.

Results: The results of the present study indicated that the peak power and mean power assessed by the Wingate test were significantly higher in the LP compared to the MP and FP (p < .001 and p < .01, respectively). Similarly, the score vigor was higher in LP compared to the MP and FP. Moreover, stress, sleep, and fatigue were significantly higher (p < .001) in the MP compared to the FP and LP. On the other hand, the performance of squat and countermovement jumps, as well as the fatigue index assessed through the Wingate test, were unaffected by MCP (p > .05). No significant differences were observed for anxiety, anger, confusion, depression, interpersonal relationships, and delayed onset muscle soreness (p > .05) in the different MCP.

Conclusions: MCP did not influence short-term maximal performance. However, it may have an impact on anaerobic performance, and this influence could be attributed to physiological and/or psychological factors.