Impact of the Menstrual Cycle Phases on the Movement Patterns of Sub-Elite Women Soccer Players during Competitive Matches

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the menstrual cycle phases on the movement patterns of sub-elite women soccer players during competitive matches over three consecutive seasons. Individual movement data were analyzed and compared in eight players from the second French League at the early follicular (EF), late follicular (LF) and mid-luteal (ML) phases of their menstrual cycle, determined by the calendar method. The movement patterns, expressed as meters per minute, were recorded during competitive matches using devices placed on the player's ankle. Our results showed significantly lower distances covered at moderate and high velocity in the EF phase than in the LF and ML phases (Cohen's d effect size = 1.03 and 0.79, respectively). The total distance covered during matches and the number of sprints also were reduced during EF compared with LF (d = 0.78 and 0.7, respectively). Overall, the total distance and distance covered at low velocity were significantly lower during the second half-time of the matches (d = 1.51), but no menstrual cycle phase × game period interaction was noted. In conclusion, our study suggests that EF may impact the movement pattern of sub-elite women soccer players during competitive matches, without any modulation of this effect by the playing time. Despite the low sample size, these results can be useful for coaches and support staff to modulate training loads and player rotation during soccer games.

Keywords: football; menstrual cycle phase; menstruation; performance; women soccer players.

Figure 1

Effects of the menstrual cycle phases on women soccer players’ movement patterns during competitive soccer matches (whole game). (A) Total distance covered per minute (m.min⁻¹); (B) Distance covered at moderate velocity per minute (m.min⁻¹); (C) Distance covered at high velocity per minute (m.min⁻¹); (D) Number of sprints per minute (count.min⁻¹). EF: early follicular; LF: late follicular; ML: mild luteal. * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001.