The Disturbing Effect of Neuromuscular Fatigue on Postural Control Is Accentuated in the Premenstrual Phase in Female Athletes

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.