Biomechanical Changes During Menstrual Cycle

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Menstrual Cycle; Passive Stretching; Hamstring Muscles
• Interventions: Procedure: Static stretching

• Registration Number: NCT03979326
• Lead Sponsor: Medical University of Silesia

Brief Summary

The aim of the work is to assess the effect of the menstrual cycle on the biomechanical properties of the muscles. The study will be conducted among young women aged 20-25 with a regular menstrual cycle. During the test, muscle strength and muscle flexibility as well as activation times will be performed. The study will assess the effect of the stretching of the hamstring muscles on the biomechanical properties of the muscles in the different phases of the menstrual cycle.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2018-08-01
• Study First Submitted: 2019-02-13
• Study First Submitted QC: 2019-06-06
• Study First Posted: 2019-06-07
• Status Verified: 2020-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2020-12-01
• Last Update Posted: 2020-12-02
• Primary Completion: 2021-05
• Study Completion: 2021-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 500

Inclusion Criteria

• Regular menstrual cycle lasting 28 days (+/- 5 days)
• A menstrual cycle that has been present for at least 2 years
• No hormonal contraception
• Lack of pain in the lower spine
• No restriction of mobility in the hip joint

Exclusion Criteria

• Irregular menstrual cycle
• BMI value below 18.5 and above 25
• Orthopedic disorders in the lower limb
• Neurological disorders
• Normal flexibility of the hamstring muscles

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Young women during various of phases of menstrual cycle.	Static stretching	The group of 40 young women will have their hamstring muscle stretched in different phases of the menstrual cycle: follicular, ovulatory and luteal. Static stretching will last 3x 45 seconds with a 15 second break between repetitions. Before and after the intervention a series of tests will be performed.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Hamstring flexibility	Change measured before and immediately after static stretching during luteal phase of menstrual cycle	Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using AKE and PKE and SLR tests.
Hamstring passive stifness	Change measured before and immediately after static stretching during luteal phase of menstrual cycle	Hamstring stiffness will be assessed using TDK test. During the test the resistance of the elongated Hamstring muscle is measured. If the resistance value is smaller after the intervention it means that muscle stiffness changed.
Trunk acivity is assessed using Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback	Three repetitions with a 30-second break between. The measure is taken during luteal phase of menstrual cycle	The torso activation scheme is measured during lower and upper limb motions using Chattanooga Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback.
Passive Hamstring flexibility	Change measured before and immediately after static stretching during luteal phase of menstrual cycle	Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using PKE test
Active Hamstring flexibility	Change measured before and immediately after static stretching during luteal phase of menstrual cycle	Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using SLR tests.
Hamstring strength is tested using the Micro Fet Handheld Dynamometer.	Change measured before and immediately after static stretching. The measure is taken during luteal phase of menstrual cycle	Muscle strength of hamstring is tested. Three repetitions of muscle strength testing are performed with two 30-second intervals. The participants are asked to press against the Dynamometer with the maximum effort for 5-7 seconds.
Strength of arm flexors and extensors and hip flexors is tested using the Micro Fet Handheld Dynamometer.	Three repetitions for 5-7 seconds with two 30-second intervals . The measure is taken during luteal phase of menstrual cycle	Muscle strength of arm flexors and extensors and hip flexors is tested. Three repetitions of muscle strength testing are performed with two 30-second intervals. The participants are asked to press against the Dynamometer with the maximum effort for 5-7 seconds.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Kinesitherapy and Special Methods, SHS in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland; 🇵🇱 Katowice, Śląskie, Poland