CHANGES IN PHYSICAL FITNESS DURING MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN WOMEN PRACTICING RESISTANCE EXERCISE

Abstract

This study investigated the alterations in physical fitness during menstrual cycle in women practicing resistance exercise. The sample included ten women from Gloss gym, exercising to 6 months, age 29.4 years (± 4.6), height 1.61mt (± 0.08) and cycles of 28 days. Were evaluated the three phases of the menstrual cycle, starting by Follicular (FO) (1° to 4º day), after Ovulatory (OP) (14° day) and Luteal Phases (LP) (26° to 28° day). The following measurements were performed: total body mass, body fat (%), lean mass (%), flexibility, VO2máx. and perceived exertion (EPE) testing in the 10RM leg press 45° and pulley machines. The comparison of results at different times of the cycle was performed by one way ANOVA with repeated measures and significant level of p <0.05.Total body mass presented higher in the LP (70.32kg ± 12.39) compared to FO and OP (69.44kg ± 12.48 and 69.07kg ± 12.35, respectively, p<0.0001). EPE score in phase Ovulatory (2.40 ± 0.96) was higher compared to FO (1.20 ± 0.63) in the exercise leg press 45° (p<0.05). VO2máx. was significantly lower (p<0.0001) in the LP (34.80 ml/kg/min-1) compared to FO and OP (36.02 ml/kg/min-1 ± 2.7 e 36.85 ml/kg/min-1 ± 2.5, respectively). Body fat differed (p<0.0001) among all phases of the menstrual cycle (FO=37.20 % ± 5.6; OV=36.72 % ± 5.8 and LU 34.80% ± 2.5) and the lean mass was only significantly difference between OP and LP phases (26.90% ± 2.2 e 26.36% ± 2.1, respectively, p<0.05). OP phase the flexibility was higher compared to LP (29.40 cm ± 5.5 e 28.60 cm ± 5.6, respectively, p<0.05).Our findings show that physical fitness is influenced by different cycle menstrual phases.