Survey study, 2024
How does menstruation affect female taekwondo athletes' training and performance?
Physical premenstrual symptoms and menstrual cramps most affected athletic performance. Menstruation did not stop athletes from competing, but weight loss before competition was common and linked to irregular periods.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 33 active female taekwondo competitors. Athletes were asked about their experience of menstruation and how it affected their ability to train and compete physically and mentally.
What they found
Physical symptoms and menstrual cramps most affected physical performance. Emotional symptoms most affected mental preparation. Most athletes did not miss training or competition. 87.8% intentionally lost weight before competition. 51.5% said weight changes affected menstrual regularity.
What it means for you
Female taekwondo athletes generally compete during menstruation despite symptoms. Physical and emotional premenstrual symptoms do affect performance, and rapid weight loss before competition may disrupt periods. Results apply only to taekwondo and may differ for other sports.
87.8%
intentionally lost weight before competition
51.5%
said weight changes affected menstrual regularity
33
participants
About the study
- Original title
- The Experience of Menstruation During Sports Activity in Taekwondo
- Authors
- Katarina Mihaljević, Olivera Petrak, Dalibor Kiseljak
- Journal
- Studia sportiva
- Year
- 2024
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 33
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.5817/sts2024-2-1
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2023
How common are menstrual cycle problems and PMS or PMDD in female athletes?
Survey study, 2024
Can period-related symptoms predict whether female cyclists manipulate their periods?
Survey study, 2022
Do female athletes get enough knowledge and support about their period?
Study, 1995
Do women who exercise have fewer PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2025
What are menstrual cycle patterns in elite female basketball players?
Survey study, 1964
How common are mood and physical changes around menstruation?