Effects of the Menstrual Cycle Phases on Different Strength Manifestations

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the effect of menstrual cycle phases on strength training in both lower and upper body exercises, on dynamic and kinematic responses and on the adaptations produced after a training period using the velocity-based resistance training (VBRT). It was also to analyze the impact of the discomfort associated with menstruation on this type of training. The main findings of this thesis include: (1) different performance tests executed at maximum velocity to evaluate the power output, as well as an indirect test to evaluate the 1-RM can be performed indistinctly at any phase of the menstrual cycle; (2) the maximal velocity (Vmax) and the mean velocity during the propulsive phase (MPV) are higher in the follicular phase (in the moments prior to ovulation); (3) discomfort associated with menstruation and premenstrual syndrome adversely affect the performance test results; (4) the reported perception of effort (RPE) by the participants is greater at the time of menstruation and prior to it; (5) better results were obtained in the follicular phase in all the applied tests after two-weeks of intervention in each phase of the menstrual cycle; (6) the group reporting no discomfort associated with menstruation, obtained greater improvements in all tests in the follicular phase after two weeks of intervention, while both groups improved equally in the luteal phase. The results of this thesis indicate that the tests to evaluate strength and the power produced can be used in any phase of the cycle without affecting the results, but when a program of velocity-based resistance training is performed, it would be more productive to concentrate training loads in the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle. In addition, women who report suffering from dysmenorrhea or pain associated with menstruation, obtain worse results in the applied tests with and without an intervention program. This implies that the use of oral contraceptives can be evaluated to reduce this symptomatology and to increase the performance after analyzing if the effect of exogenous hormonal load does not affect this type of training.