Examining how the menstrual cycle affects hamstring muscle function in active women

Characterization of the Mechanical Properties of the Hamstring Muscle Group in Female Athletes: Impact of the Menstrual Cycle and Adaptations to Exercise.

This study tests how different phases of the menstrual cycle affect hamstring muscle function in active women aged 18 to 35 to see if there are times when muscle recovery is better.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 130 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 35 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: EZUS-LYON 1 (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Villeurbanne, Rhône)
• Trial ID: NCT05802277 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of the menstrual cycle and physical activity on the mechanical properties of the hamstring muscles in healthy, active women aged 18 to 35. Participants will undergo assessments of hamstring muscle function at different phases of their menstrual cycle, with comparisons made to a group using oral contraceptives. The study aims to determine if there are specific times during the menstrual cycle when muscle recovery from exercise is optimized. Three appointments will be scheduled for echographic evaluations and maximal force production measurements.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy, active women aged 18 to 35 who engage in at least 2 hours of competitive sports per week.

Not a fit: Patients with recent musculo-tendinous injuries or those taking medications that may interfere with muscle evaluation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help optimize training and recovery strategies for female athletes based on their menstrual cycle.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on hamstring function in relation to the menstrual cycle is less explored, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding muscle performance variations in women.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Subject aged between 18 and 35 years.
* Subjects who practice at least 2 hours of sport per week with a competitive aim.
* Subject who has not presented any musculo-tendinous pathology to the hamstrings in the last 6 months.
* Subject with no musculoarticular pathology having a prolonged (more than 2 weeks) interruption of sports activities in the last 2 years.
* Subject with no muscular pain or pathology currently.
* Subject with no known cardiac disorders or family history that could present a risk known family history that could present a risk in case of intense physical effort.

physical exertion.

* Subjects not taking any medication, which in the opinion of the that, in the opinion of the coordinating investigator, may interfere with the evaluation of the study criteria.
* Subject able and willing to comply with the protocol and agreeing to give written informed consent.
* Subject affiliated or benefiting from a Social Security plan.

Menstrual cycle group:

* Subject whose last 3 menstrual cycles are of a regular duration (± 4 days maximum difference between 2 consecutive menstrual cycles).
* Subject whose last 3 menstrual cycles are of a duration between 24 and 32 days (including milestones).
* Absence of any contraceptive method likely to modulate the hormonal variations linked to the menstrual cycle.

hormonal variations related to the menstrual cycle, during the duration of the duration of the protocol and during the last 6 months after the participant's inclusion.

the participant. Mechanical contraception such as the diaphragm is permitted.

Oral contraceptive group:

- Taking oral contraception, 2nd generation monophasic pill estrogen-progestin pill (Optilova®, Optidril®, Leeloo®, Minidril®, Ludeal®, Zikiale®, Lovavulo®, Lovapharm®) for at least 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with a medical contraindication to intense physical activity.
* Subject with a positive pregnancy test result.
* Subject with a medical or surgical history deemed by the coordinating investigator as being incompatible with the study.
* Subjects under guardianship.
* Subjects in a period of exclusion from another study.
* Decision of the volunteer, whatever the reason.
* Adverse event or effect affecting the safety of the volunteer in the opinion of the coordinating investigator.
* Major deviation from the protocol.
* Illness or injury interfering with the normal course of the protocol.

Where this trial is running

Villeurbanne, Rhône

• Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité — Villeurbanne, Rhône, France (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Alexandre Fouré, PhD — Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
• Study coordinator: Melanie PRUDENT, MD

Conditions: Menstrual Cycle, Oral Contraceptive Use, Menstrual cycle, Oral contraception, Muscle mechanical properties, shear wave elastography, Hamstrings