The impact and experienced barriers menstruation present to football participation in amateur female footballers

Abstract

This study (1) assessed the impact different stages of the menstrual cycle has on experienced football performance and exercise ability (2) identified the experienced barriers to football participation menstruation presents in amateur women footballers. An online survey was used. The inclusion criteria were non-professional, women currently experiencing regular menstrual cycles, ≥18 years, ≥60 min football/week in the UK. Descriptive statistics were performed on quantitative data and thematic analysis of the open-ended questions. 127 responses were included. Most of the respondents were aged between 18-25 (89%), Caucasian (83%) and competing in Universities Leagues (69%). Menstruation was reported to "never" limit football playing in 17%, "sometimes" in 47%, "rarely" in 25% and "always" in 10% of respondents. The majority (73%) reported one or more barriers menstruation present to football participation. Following thematic analysis, 165 meaning units, 23 themes and seven categories were identified. Confidence and aerobic capacity/endurance were identified to be the aspects most negatively impacted during the pre-menstrual and menstrual stages. Confidence is likely to be negatively impacted due to the barriers identified. Thus, recommendations on how to reduce these through education of players and involved staff, at the club and the FA level have been made.