Otterstetter, R., Kamimori, G. H., Lyden, A. K., Balkin, T. J., Brown, D. A., & Davis, H. Q. (1997). Effect of menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive use on cognitive performance during exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 691.

Five oral contraceptive users and six non-users completed four exercise trials. Ss rode a cycle ergometer at moderate (60% VO2max; 3 x 25 min, 5 min rest) and high (80% VO2max; 1 x 25 min) intensities in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Cognitive performance (choice reaction time, serial and logical reasoning) was measured at rest and during exercise.

Exercise improved response time with no effect on precision. No other changes or differences were observed.

The menstrual phase and oral contraceptive use had no significant effect on cognitive performance during moderate or high intensity exercise.

Implication. Cognitive performance during exercise is not affected by the menstrual cycle phase or oral contraceptive use.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.