The Interaction Between the Menstrual Cycle and Exercise Performance: A Scientific Perspective

Abstract

This review-based study aims to investigate the relationship between menstrual cycle phases and exercise performance in female athletes, considering the current literature. The study covers the reflections of periodic changes in estrogen and progesterone levels on athletic performance through physiological, psychological, and neurological parameters. According to the research findings, no significant general interaction has been identified between the menstrual cycle phases and exercise performance in female athletes; however, individual differences may exist. In this context, it is considered beneficial to take menstrual cycle status into account when planning and programming training for female athletes. Methodological recommendations for future studies on the subject are also provided.

Keywords

• Training periodization
• Exercise performance
• Hormones
• Female athletes
• Menstrual cycle

Menstrual Döngü ve Egzersiz Performansı Arasındaki Etkileşim: Bilimsel Bir Bakış

Abstract

Derleme niteliği taşıyan bu çalışmada; kadın sporcularda menstrual döngü fazları ile egzersiz performansı arasındaki etkileşimin literatür bilgileri ışığında incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Östrojen ve progesteron düzeylerindeki dönemsel değişimlerin, fizyolojik, psikolojik ve nörolojik parametreler üzerinden sportif performansa yansımaları kapsamaktadır. Araştırma bulgularına göre; kadın sporcuların döngü fazları ile egzersiz performansları arasında genel olarak belirgin bir etkileşimin saptanmadığı, fakat bireysel farklılıkların ise olabileceği sonucuna varılmıştır. Bu doğrultuda, kadın sporcuların antrenman plan ve programlanması yapılırken menstrual döngü durumlarının dikkate alınmasının faydalı olacağı düşünülmektedir. Konu kapsamında gelecekte yapılacak çalışmalar için metodolojik önerilere yer verilmiştir.

Keywords

• Antrenman periyodizasyonu
• Egzersiz performansı
• Hormonlar
• Kadın sporcular
• Menstrual döngü

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