How the menstrual cycle affects immune responses and recovery after exercise in women
The Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Innate Immune Cell Activation, Recruitment, and Adhesion Dynamics During Recovery From Damaging Resistance Exercise: Role of Neutrophils and Systemic Chemokines.
This study is testing how different phases of the menstrual cycle affect immune responses and recovery after exercise in healthy women aged 18-40.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Central Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Orlando, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06985420 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the impact of the menstrual cycle on immune cell activity and recovery following resistance exercise in healthy women aged 18-40. Participants will engage in resistance training during three distinct phases of their menstrual cycle: early follicular, late follicular, and mid-luteal. Blood samples will be collected to evaluate immune cell activation and muscle damage, while participants will also track their sleep, mood, and recovery through questionnaires and accelerometers. The study aims to determine if variations in immune responses and recovery outcomes are influenced by the menstrual cycle.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy women aged 18-40 who are actively resistance training and have a regular menstrual cycle.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pre-menopausal, have irregular menstrual cycles, or are currently pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how menstrual cycle phases influence recovery and immune function in women, potentially leading to optimized training and recovery strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on this topic, studies examining the relationship between the menstrual cycle and exercise recovery have shown varying results, indicating that this approach may provide new insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women between the ages of 18 and 40. * Must weigh at least 110 pounds. * Healthy as determined by medical history, physical activity readiness, and menstrual cycle questionnaires. * Actively resistance training for at least 6 months (minimum of 3 resistance training sessions per week, with at least one lower body session). * Pre-menopausal and have a regular menstrual cycle (eumenorrheic), with a clear start of menses (early follicular phase). * Not currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study. * Have not used hormonal birth control or intrauterine devices in the past 3 months (or three full menstrual cycles). * Able to recall approximate start dates of their last 6 menstrual cycles. * Willing to follow study instructions, including avoiding exercise, alcohol, and caffeine before testing visits. * Free from previous or current lower body injuries that could limit performance. * Not regularly taking any medications that could interfere with the study. * Determined to have a high likelihood of successful blood draws by a certified phlebotomist. Exclusion Criteria: * Do not give consent to participate. * Have been determined unfit to participate based on medical or activity history (using health questionnaires). * Currently take prescription or over-the-counter medication that could affect the study results. * Have a chronic illness requiring medical care. * Not currently resistance-trained (don't meet the exercise requirement). * Pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study. * Do not have regular periods or have been diagnosed as amenorrhoeic (absence of menstruation). * Currently taking any performance-enhancing drugs. * Currently using hormonal birth control or intrauterine devices (IUDs), or have used them in the past three months (or three full menstrual cycles). * Determined unlikely to have a successful blood draw by a trained phlebotomist. * Weigh less than 110 pounds.
Where this trial is running
Orlando, Florida
- University of Central Florida — Orlando, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jessica M Moon
- Email: jessica.moon@ucf.edu
- Phone: 407-823-0623
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.