Cyclical Physiology of Elite Female Athletes: Longitudinal Quantification of Wellness Parameters Considering Menstrual, Weekly, and Seasonal Variations
Source abstract
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to identify variations in wellness parameters among elite female athletes, considering simultaneously the influence of natural menstrual cycle (MC) or hormonal contraception (HC) phases and weekly and seasonal variations. A total of 54 elite female athletes were followed up with through a 6-month daily monitoring of their reported fitness, sleep quality, mood, and menstrual symptoms. Estimated cycle phases, days of the week, and seasons were all integrated into a single model to study cyclicities concomitantly. A total of 263 cycles were analyzed, totaling 7370 pieces of daily self-reported data. We observed more frequent symptoms during the menstruation and the pause phase. Reported fitness was greater in the mid-cycle and mood was lower at the end of the cycle for the MC group. Wellness parameters were rather stable for HC users. For both groups, symptoms were more frequent in summer. Reported fitness levels were lower on Monday, while mood scores were highest on Saturday and Sunday. In summer and autumn, fitness, sleep quality, and mood were greater. A cyclical wellness rhythm was identified in the menstrual cycle and persists even when considering weekdays and seasons cyclicities. This comprehensive approach helps to identify physiological influence on human behaviors, considering the specificities of women.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Thermoregulation and physiological responses · Exercise and Physiological Responses
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
URP 7329—Institute for Research in Medicine and Epidemiology of Sport (IRMES), National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP), 75012 Paris, France
Center for Investigation in Sport Medicine, CIMS Hôtel-Dieu, Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, 75004 Paris, France
Faculté de Santé, Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France
References (38)
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