Examining the Role of Female Endogenous Sex Hormones in Eccentric Exercise

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Inflammatory Response

• Registration Number: NCT05934708
• Lead Sponsor: University of Southern California

Brief Summary

The fluctuating concentrations of female sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone may have an effect on the ability of the tissue to withstand challenging exercise conditions, such as eccentric exercise. These sex hormones have also been purported to influence the perceived difficulty of exercise. This study aims to uncover how the different estrogen and progesterone concentrations present throughout the menstrual cycle effect perceived readiness to perform, perceptions of difficulty, and different recovery metrics.

Detailed Description

Although nearly half of the population is female, less than 10% of research resources are allocated to understanding how their dynamic physiology impacts athletic readiness, performance, and recovery. The fluctuating concentrations of female sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone may have an effect on the ability of the tissue to withstand challenging exercise conditions, such as eccentric exercise. This study aims to uncover how the different estrogen and progesterone concentrations present throughout the menstrual cycle effect perceived readiness to perform, perceptions of difficulty, and the inflammatory environment and quantification of muscle damage.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2023-06-20
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-06-28
• Study First Posted: 2023-07-07
• Study Start: 2025-03-07
• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-24
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-27
• Primary Completion: 2025-12
• Study Completion: 2026-08-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

• 18-35 years of age
• BMI of 18.5-29.9 as a BMI below or above these cut points results in highly varied menstrual cycle lengths [15]
• Not taking contraception or other types of medication that could influence reproductive status
• Regular menstruation
• Non-pregnant
• Medically free from chronic diseases
• Novel to downhill running
• Weight greater than or equal to 110 lbs
• Not taking exogenous hormones
• Not suffering from known gynecological disease (i.e., PCOS, endometriosis, etc.) that may influence menstrual cycle regularity

Exclusion Criteria

• Amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea
• Perimenopausal or menopausal
• Recreational or professional trail or downhill runner
• On a form of contraception
• Cardiac disability
• Pacemaker
• Arterial disease
• Uncontrolled hemorrhage
• Blood clots
• Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Cancerous lesions
• Sensory or mental impairment
• Unstable fractures
• Weight less than 110 lbs
• Suffering from gynecological disease (i.e., PCOS, endometriosis, etc.) that may influence menstrual cycle regularity
• Taking exogenous hormones

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Preparedness to perform	Pre exercise	Perceived readiness will be measured on an 11 point numeric rating scale (NRS) with 0 being not ready at all, and 10 being most prepared
Rating of difficulty	30 minutes	Perceived difficulty will be measured on a 11 point numeric rating scale called the OMNI res throughout the duration of exercise.
Inflammatory markers	Change over time (pre/post, 24 hour, 48 hour)	Inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and IL-10) will be measured in blood serum to understand how the concentration of estrogen changes the inflammatory response to damaging exercise.
Counter movement jump height	Change over time (pre/post, 24 hour, 48 hour)	A countermovement jump (CMJ) will be performed on VALD ForceDecks to determine muscle function overtime.
Active Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)	Change over time (pre/post, 24 hour, 48 hour)	DOMS will be assessed as participants complete a wall sit to assess their perception of muscle soreness over time.
Passive Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)	Change over time (pre/post, 24 hour, 48 hour)	DOMS will be assessed as participants are stationary to assess their perception of muscle damage over time.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Clinical Exercise Research Center; 🇺🇸 Los Angeles, California, United States