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
Female athletes with natural menstrual cycles (eumenorrheic): Participants must have regular menstrual cycles lasting between 21 and 35 days, with at least 9 cycles per year.
Women using a low-dose monophasic estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive.
Age 18 or older: Participants must be legal adults.
Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 30 kg/m².
None
Parallel
Resistance periodized training program (N-PF)
Other interventionThis 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.
Resistance peioridized training program (N-PL)
Other interventionThis 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.
Continuous resistance training program (C)
Other interventionThis 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.
Maximal knee extensor strenght
Description: This outcome measure assesses the maximal isokinetic strength of the knee extensor muscles, measured as peak torque (rotational force) in Newton-meters (Nm), using an isokinetic dynamometer. Scoring and Interpretation: Higher scores indicate greater strength, with no theoretical upper limit as scores are determined by the individual's maximal voluntary contraction. Typical Range: In athletic populations, peak torque values generally range from 100 to 250 Nm, but individual results may vary based on factors like muscle size and training status. Criteria for Change: An improvement in peak torque post-intervention indicates a positive neuromuscular adaptation to the training program. This measure quantifies changes in lower limb strength over time, allowing comparison of neuromuscular adaptations between menstrual phase-aligned and continuous training groups.
Rate of Force Development (RFD)
Evaluates the speed at which force is generated by the knee extensor muscles. This is a key indicator of explosive strength, relevant for sports performance. Measurement: Calculated as the slope of the force-time curve from the onset of muscle contraction. Relevance: Higher RFD values suggest improved neuromuscular response and power output.
Active muscle stiffness
Measures the active stiffness of the knee extensor muscles during before and after a fatiguing task, at 50%MVC with a shear wave elastrography (SWE) methods.
Voluntary Muscle Activation (%AV)
Description: Assesses the degree of maximal voluntary activation in the knee extensor muscles before, during and after an "all-out" effort. This test captures the participant's capacity to recruit motor units fully, measured using twitch interpolation technique to evaluate the difference between voluntary and stimulated muscle force output. Relevance: This measure reflects the participant's neuromuscular efficiency by indicating their ability to achieve maximal muscle activation without additional external stimulation. It provides insight into central nervous system drive and the efficiency of motor unit recruitment during intense exertion.
Vertical Jump Height (Countermovement Jump - CMJ)
Measures the maximal height achieved during a countermovement jump, recorded as a functional measure of lower body power. Relevance: Vertical jump height reflects overall lower limb strength and power, providing insight into functional athletic performance.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Universite de La Reunion
Lead sponsor
Physio Formation
Collaborator
