Study, 2021
Does exercise affect a woman's balance more during the premenstrual phase?
Yes. Women had lower balance during the premenstrual phase before exercise, and their balance became more unstable after exercise during this phase compared to other times in their cycle.
What they did
Female athletes were tested at three different times in their menstrual cycle: follicular phase (early), mid-luteal phase (mid-cycle), and premenstrual phase. Before and after a fatiguing exercise, researchers measured how well they could balance using a Y-balance test and measurements of body sway.
What they found
Women had lower balance reach distances before exercise during the premenstrual phase compared to other cycle phases. After exercise, women's muscle strength decreased more during the premenstrual phase than during the follicular and mid-luteal phases. Their postural sway also increased more during the premenstrual phase after exercise.
What it means for you
Women may have reduced balance and stability before exercise during the premenstrual phase, and exercise may make this worse. This study examined athletic performance and balance in female athletes rather than the mood and pain symptoms typical of premenstrual syndrome.
About the study
- Original title
- The Disturbing Effect of Neuromuscular Fatigue on Postural Control Is Accentuated in the Premenstrual Phase in Female Athletes
- Authors
- Kacem M, Borji R, Sahli S et al.
- Journal
- Frontiers in physiology
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Study
- What was tested
- Fatiguing exercise during different menstrual cycle phases
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.736211
Original abstract
This study explored the fatigue effect on postural control (PC) across menstrual cycle phases (MCPs) in female athletes. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (IMVC), the center of pressure sway area (CoParea), CoP length in the medio-lateral (CoP LX ) and antero-posterior (CoP LY ) directions, and Y-balance test (YBT) were assessed before and after a fatiguing exercise during the follicular phase (FP), mid-luteal phase (LP), and premenstrual phase (PMP). Baseline normalized reach distances (NRDs) for the YBT were lower ( p = 0.00) in the PMP compared to others MCPs, but the IMVC, CoParea, CoP LX , and CoP LY remained unchanged. After exercise, the IMVC and the NRD decrease was higher at PMP compared to FP ( p = 0.00) and LP ( p = 0.00). The CoParea, CoP LX , and CoP LY increase was higher in the PMP compared to FP ( p = 0.00) and LP ( p = 0.00). It was concluded that there is an accentuated PC impairment after exercise observed at PMP.
Reproduced under CC-BY.
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2026
How does menstruation affect girls' participation in organized sports?
Survey study, 2021
Does the menstrual cycle affect women's ability to train and compete?
Randomised trial, 2026
What types and amounts of exercise help or harm PMS?
Systematic review, 2026
Does the menstrual cycle affect athletic performance and fatigue in female athletes?
Randomised trial, 2025
Does exercise reduce menstrual symptoms and sleep problems?
Systematic review, 2025
Do different types of exercise help with PMS?