Abstract

Background: Phasic hormonal changes during menstrual cycle affect the exercise performance. Earlier studies about the changes in muscle strength and rate of fatigue during different phases of the menstrual cycle have been inconclusive.

Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to study the muscle strength variations and rate of fatigue during various phases of the menstrual cycle in young adult females.

Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 120 eumenorrheic female volunteers in the age group of 18–25 years female from GMC, Jammu. Handgrip dynamometer and Mosso’s Ergograph were used, respectively, to assess muscle strength and muscle fatigue. Recording of the test parameters was done in three phases of the menstrual cycle: Early follicular phase (Phase 1), late follicular phase (Phase 2), and mid luteal phase (Phase 3).

Results: Muscle strength was significantly higher in Phase 2 (Late Follicular phase) than in Phase 1 (Early Follicular Phase) and Phase 3 (Mid Luteal Phase). The subjects showed less fatigability and higher work done during the late follicular phase (Phase 2) compared to mid luteal phase (Phase 3) and early follicular phase (Phase 1).

Conclusion: Muscle functions are better in late follicular phase compared to mid-luteal or early follicular phases.

Key words: Ergograph; Fatigue Rate; Handgrip Strength; Menstrual Cycle