The menstrual cycle does not influence vertical jump performance or throwing velocity in amateur team handball players

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to compare physical performance (countermovement jump height and throwing velocity) and psychological traits (mood state and perceived pain) across the menstrual cycle. Equipment and methods: Eight women from an amateur handball team (age = 19.8 ± 1.9 years) were tested during two months at three time points of the menstrual cycle (early follicular phase, late follicular phase, and mid-luteal phase) (i.e., six testing sessions). The calendar-based and the urinary luteinizing hormone methods were used in combination to detect the phase of the menstrual cycle. Two questionnaires were administered at the beginning of each testing session to assess the mood state (Self-Assessment Manikin scale for Valence) and perceived pain (Visual Analogic Scale Pain scale) and, afterwards, the countermovement jump height and throwing velocity were evaluated. Results: The main results showed no significant differences between the phases of the menstrual cycle for countermovement jump height (P = 0.708), throwing velocity (P = 0.305), Self-Assessment Manikin scale for Valence (P = 0.639) or Visual Analogic Scale Pain scale (P = 0.565). Conclusions: These results suggest that the performance of explosive lower-body and upper-body tasks is not affected across the menstrual cycle in young athletes whose mood and perceived pain are also unaffected by these hormonal fluctuations.