Survey study, 1997
Does how well runners breathe and perform change during the menstrual cycle?
Yes. Women had higher breathing rates, needed more oxygen, and were less efficient at running during the mid-luteal phase compared to the early follicular phase.
What they did
Researchers tested 8 moderately-trained female runners at five different phases of their menstrual cycle. At each phase, the women rested and ran at two different intensities while researchers measured breathing and oxygen use. They also completed a mood questionnaire.
What they found
Compared to the early follicular phase, during the mid-luteal phase, women had higher breathing rates at rest (12.4 vs 10.3) and while running (46.2 vs 42.2 at moderate speed, 68.8 vs 63.3 at high speed). They also reported more mood disturbance (127 vs 104), more depression (6 vs 3), more fatigue (9 vs 4), more confusion (7 vs 5), and less vigor (11 vs 19). At high-intensity running, efficiency was lower during mid-luteal (41.4) compared to early follicular (40.2).
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle affects how the body uses oxygen during exercise and how women feel. The main limits are the very small sample size and that all participants were trained runners, so results may not apply to inactive women or people with other fitness levels.
8
runners studied
12.4 vs 10.3
breathing rate at rest (mid-luteal vs early follicular)
41.4 vs 40.2
running efficiency at high intensity (mid-luteal vs early follicular)
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual cycle phase and running economy
- Authors
- Williams TJ, Krahenbuhl GS
- Journal
- Medicine and science in sports and exercise
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Testing running efficiency and breathing across five menstrual cycle phases
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199712000-00010
Topics
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