Anaerobic Performance During Ovulation Versus The Mid-luteal Phase Of The Menstrual Cycle: A Preliminary Study

Anaerobic performance may vary during different phases of the menstrual cycle. The greatest differences occur between the late-follicular phase (i.e., ovulation) and the mid-luteal phase. Optimal anaerobic performance typically occurs during the mid-luteal phase. PURPOSE: To explore differences in upper and lower body anaerobic performance during ovulation versus the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in college-aged females. METHODS: Eight active female college students (age = 20 ± 3 yrs; height = 164.4 ± 4.8 cm; weight = 69.4 ± 9.6 kg; body mass index = 25.7 ± 3.4 kg/m2; lean body mass = 43.8 ± 5.2 kg; body fat = 31.6 ± 6.6%) performed both upper and lower body wingate tests, each lasting 30 seconds, during the ovulation and the mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Upper and lower body tests were performed 24 hours apart. Menstrual cycle phases were determined by calendar tracking, reverse estimation of ovulation, and administration of a urinary luteinizing hormone test assessed daily until positive results indicated ovulation. Lower body power was measured using a velotron bicycle ergometer, with a resistance of 0.075 kg/kg applied after a 5-second sprint at a resistance of 1 kg (50 W). Peak power (PP) and anaerobic capacity (anCap) were measured. Upper body power was measured using a Monark hand ergometer with a 0.045 kg/kg resistance applied after a 5-second sprint at a resistance of 0.5 kg (25 W). Anaerobic capacity was calculated using total rotations, weight applied, and distance per rotation. Independent t-tests were used to analyze differences in means during the ovulation vs midluteal phases with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Lower body PP was significantly (p < 0.001) higher during the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle than ovulation (837 ± 152 W vs. 821 ± 146 W). Lower body anCap was significantly (p < 0.001) higher during the mid-luteal phase (11.9 ± 0.9 W/kg vs. 11.5 ± 0.8 W/kg). Upper body anCap was significantly (p < 0.001) lower during the mid-luteal phase (2.17 ± 0.20 W/kg vs. 2.22 ± 0.32 W/kg). CONCLUSION: Anerobic performance testing in active college-aged females during the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is improved when compared to the ovulation phase. However, upper body anCap is optimized during ovulation. This study is ongoing and will further explore these differences.