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Do Varying Environmental and Menstrual Cycle Conditions Affect Anaerobic Power Output in Female Athletes?
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1997
Year
Physical ActivityNeuromuscular CoordinationFitnessEducationMenstrual CycleFemale AthletesKinesiologyExercisePhysical ExerciseApplied PhysiologyClinical ExerciseVarying EnvironmentalSport PhysiologyPhysical MedicineHealth SciencesFemale Rugby PlayersPhysical FitnessClinical Exercise PhysiologyMenstrual Cycle ConditionsHuman PhysiologyExercise SciencePhysiologyExercise PhysiologyHuman MovementAthletic TrainingIntermittent Exercise
ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of varying environmental and menstrual cycle conditions on the anaerobic power output (APO) of female rugby players. Ten young women performed repeated, intermittent exercise in 4 environmental and menstrual cycle conditions: 20 °C menstruating; 9 °C menstruating; 20 °C nonmenstruating; and 9 °C nonmenstruating. Testing consisted of 15 work/rest periods with a work:rest ratio of 1:8. During each 15-sec work period the subject pedaled maximally against a resistance equal to 0.07 kg · kg LBM−1, followed by a 2-min recovery period pedaling at 70 rev · min−1 against a resistance equal to 0.01 kg · kg LBM−1. APO was measured during every work period via cycle ergometer-computer interface. Rectal temperature, rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate, and change in plasma volume were measured preexercise and after every 5 work/rest periods. No significant differences were observed among the 4 trials for any of the measurements. These results indicate that individual and combined conditions of menstruation and a cold environment will not have an adverse effect on APO and selected physiological responses to intermittent exercise.