Influence of Menstrual Phase and Symptoms on Match Running in Professional Footballers

This study examined the effects of menstrual cycle phases and symptoms on match running performance in football (soccer) players. Twenty-one nonhormonal contraceptive using football players from four professional teams were monitored for up to four menstrual cycles during a domestic league season. Menstrual phases, classified as early-follicular phase (EFP), mid-late follicular phase (MFP), and luteal phase (LP), were determined by self-reporting of menstruation and urinary hormone tests (luteinizing hormone and pregnanediol-3-glucuronide). On match day, players completed a menstrual symptom severity questionnaire. In repeated matches, players wore 10 Hz Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) devices to measure relative (/min) total distance, high-speed running distance, very high-speed distance, peak speed, acceleration count, and deceleration count. Linear mixed models were performed for each GPS measure to determine the relationship with phase or symptoms. Data for 7 and 10 players were included for menstrual phase and menstrual symptoms analyses, respectively. A significantly higher total distance was reported during MFP compared to EFP (Δ 5.1 m min-1; p = 0.04) and LP (Δ 5.8 m min-1; p = 0.007). Significantly greater high-speed running was reported during MFP compared to EFP (Δ 1.2 m min-1; p = 0.012) and LP (Δ 1.1 m min-1; p = 0.007). No significant effect of menstrual phase was found for any other GPS measures (p > 0.05). Accelerations declined with increasing symptom severity (p = 0.021, estimate = -0.01count.min-1). Menstrual symptom severity did not affect any other GPS measures (p > 0.05). In conclusion, greater total distance and high-speed running occurred during the MFP. Additionally, accelerations minimally decreased with increasing menstrual symptom severity. Large intra- and inter-variability existed, suggesting individualized monitoring and management of menstrual effects on performance would be beneficial.