Giacomoni, M., Bernard, T., Gavarry, O., Altare, S., & Falgairette, G. (2000). Influence of the menstrual cycle phase and menstrual symptoms on maximal anaerobic performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32, 486-492

Eumenorrheic (N = 7) and oral-contraceptive using (N = 10) women performed force-velocity, multi-jump, and squat-jump anaerobic tests under standardized conditions during the menstrual (1-4 d), midfollicular (7-9 d), and midluteal (19-21 d) phases of the menstrual cycle.

No significant differences were found between the phases or between the groups on the tests.

Although not controlled, the authors suggested the presence or absence of premenstrual or menstrual syndrome symptoms affects the stretch-shortening cycle of tendons and ligaments.

Implication. Menstruation and phases in the menstrual cycle do not affect anaerobic performance. Anaerobic performance might be compromised by menstrual syndrome symptoms.

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