Influence of Menstrual Phases on Physical Performance and Psychological Well-being in Female Athletes

Women aged 18–40 with regular 28/35 day menstrual cycles, who are not pregnant and have no metabolic or health conditions, will be invited to participate. They will receive a clear explanation of the study’s purpose, procedures, and their rights, including the ability to withdraw at any time, before providing informed consent.

The study will begin with baseline assessments to understand participants’ initial physical and psychological states. Physical performance will be evaluated through endurance (6-minute walk test), strength (push-ups, squats, and crunches), and balance (Y-Balance Test and Single Leg Standing Test). Psychological well-being will be assessed using the Brunel Mood Scale (Brums), and BMI will be calculated based on height and weight. Participants will also be guided on how to track their menstrual cycles using a period-tracking app or a manual calendar to identify key phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal.

Data collection will occur every seven days, starting from the onset of the menstrual phase (Day 1) and continuing through the follicular (Day 7), ovulatory (Day 14), and luteal (Day 21) phases, concluding at the end of the luteal phase (Day 28). At each stage, participants will undergo a series of physical and psychological assessments, including mood evaluations using the Brums scale, physical performance tests, and BMI monitoring.