Self-perceived Menstrual Cycle Influence On Performance Among Female Distance Runners

• DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000979776.01110.1c
• Publication Date: 2023-09-26T10:13:50Z
• Authors: Dana Golden; Jay Hertel
• Keywords: Snowball sampling

PURPOSE: The menstrual cycle (MC) normally occurs in reproductively mature females. Distance runners often train year around while the state of their MC could range from eumenorrheic to amenorrheic. There is limited empirical information on MC-related effects sport performance reported by female athletes. Our purpose was identify associations between symptoms or birth control (BC) use and influence adult distance runners. METHODS: Female runners, ages 18-40, were recruited via snowball sampling using email social media complete an online survey that queried history symptoms, training habits, competition experiences. novel first reviewed expert panel for content validity piloted a convenience sample Descriptive statistics calculated chi-square analyses used situations characteristics BC information. RESULTS: 505 began survey, with 379 (age = 24.1 ± 6.1 years) finishing it (completion rate 75%). Respondents' running participation level included: professional (n 9, 2.4%), varsity collegiate 228, 60.2%), competitive recreational 67, 17.6%), 76, 20%). utilization 37.1% 152), which 86.2% 131) hormonal methods. When comparing having regular period (p .036), Division II 9/24, 37.5%), III 28/80, 35%), NAIA 14/37, 37.8%) had highest frequency athletes reporting irregular. Competition days per week < .001), ever modify .009), discontinue .009) also yielded significant findings. Higher association symptoms. We did not find significance impairments > .05). CONCLUSION: Associations found period, week, when training. Further exploration into symptom tracking warranted.