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Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology 1/2016

01-01-2016 | Original Article

Maximal force and tremor changes across the menstrual cycle

Authors: Matthew S. Tenan, Anthony C. Hackney, Lisa Griffin

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

Sex hormones have profound effects on the nervous system in vitro and in vivo. The present study examines the effect of the menstrual cycle on maximal isometric force (MVC) and tremor during an endurance task.

Methods

Nine eumenorrheic females participated in five study visits across their menstrual cycle. In each menstrual phase, an MVC and an endurance task to failure were performed. Tremor across the endurance task was quantified as the coefficient of variation in force and was assessed in absolute time and relative percent time to task failure.

Results

MVC decreases 23 % from ovulation to the mid luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In absolute time, the mid luteal phase has the highest initial tremor, though the early follicular phase has substantially higher tremor than other phases after 150 s of task performance. In relative time, the mid luteal phase has the highest level of tremor throughout the endurance task.

Conclusions

Both MVC and tremor during an endurance task are modified by the menstrual cycle. Performance of tasks and sports which require high force and steadiness to exhaustion may be decreased in the mid luteal phase compared to other menstrual phases.
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Metadata
Title
Maximal force and tremor changes across the menstrual cycle
Authors
Matthew S. Tenan
Anthony C. Hackney
Lisa Griffin
Publication date
01-01-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3258-x

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