Cycling Through the Menstrual Cycle

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Adjusting training advice: Based on discomfort related to the menstrual cycle the female cyclist can choose to adjust the suggested training.

Study summary

With an increase in number of female athletes in sport events, it is becoming more important to gain insight in female related sports physiology. A main difference between male anf female athletes is the menstrual cycle. During the menstrual cycle, female reproductive hormones fluctuate. These hormones are also of influence on endurance, recovery, muscle strenght and mental state. Therefore we hypothesize that training efficiancy, power and motivation to train differ during the menstrual cycle. In case there is a pattern seen during the menstrual cycle, training programs can be individualized taking the menstrual cycle into account leading to more effective training programs.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Health of menstrual cycle in amateur cyclist — 1 year
  It is known that the incidence of amenorrhea is about 15% of the professional female athletes. This has many short- and long term health consequences. These health consequences can be avoided since developing amenorrhea is preventable. It is unknown how many amateur cyclist have an irregular period or have amenorrhea. Insight in the size of this health problem creates a window of opportunity in preventive medicine.
• Objective training parameters during the menstral cycle — 2 years
  By collecting details in regards to the menstrual cycle in combination with objective parameters (heart rate, power, speed, endurance) of training it is possible to investigate whether these objective parameters are influenced by the hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.
• Subjective training parameters during the menstrual cycle — 2 years
  By collecting details in regards to the menstrual cycle in combination with subjective parameters (fatigue, discomfort, readiness, motivation) of training it is possible to investigate whether these subjective parameters are influenced by the hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.

Trial sites (2)

More Martini Hospital Groningen trials in the Netherlands