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

Summary

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

Conditions

• Menstrual Cycle
• Resistance Training
• Neuromuscular Function
• Female Athlete
• Women Health
• Oral Contraceptive Pill
• Muscle Strenght
• Hormones
• Periodized Training

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 phases. The increased intensity leverages higher estrogen levels, which may support greater muscle strength and recovery during this phase. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Training sessions are conducted at a lower training load during both early and late luteal phases to accommodate the hormonal shifts associated with elevated progesterone.

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 phases to accommodate the hormonal environment of this phase. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Training sessions are performed at a higher training load during both early and late luteal phases. The increased intensity leverages the hormonal environment associated with elevated progesterone, which may affect muscle endurance and neuromuscular adaptations during this phase.

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 assessing neuromuscular adaptations without the influence of phase-specific intensity adjustments.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Physio Formation

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Universite de La Reunion

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Nicolas PEYROT, Professor (PU) · Université du Mans

• Manon DAUVERGNE, Professor (Assistant) · Universite de La Reunion

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-11-01

Primary Completion

2025-07-01

Completion

2027-12-31

Countries

• Reunion

Study Locations