Author(s): SMITH, H., SCHAERZ, S. , Institution: UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE, Country: CANADA, Abstract-ID: 587

Background: This study examined how menstrual cycle phases relate to well-being and performance in collegiate runners. Prior work suggests phase-related changes in symptoms, recovery, and performance, but findings are inconsistent [1], often focus on elite or recreational athletes, and rarely capture collegiate runners’ lived experiences [2]. Guided by the biopsychosocial model, we combined phase-mapped symptom and performance tracking with follow-up interviews to contextualize quantitative patterns.
Methods: In this explanatory mixed-methods study, five eumenorrheic female collegiate runners (age: 19.20±0.84 years) completed weekly questionnaires over eight weeks. These included the Menstrual Phase Identification Questionnaire (phase mapping), Daily Record of Severity of Problems (symptoms), and Hooper–Mackinnon Questionnaire (training readiness/quality). Race performance was also recorded. Phases were grouped to compare the perimenstrual window (late luteal/early follicular; seven days before through seven days after menstruation onset) with the remainder of the cycle (late follicular/early luteal). Participants received plain-language phase-mapped feedback and completed one-on-one interviews using this as an elicitation tool.
Results: Late luteal/early follicular versus late follicular/early luteal (mean±SD) scores were broadly similar across most variables: fatigue 3.60±0.79 vs 3.75±0.53; sleep quality 2.82±0.23 vs 2.77±0.36; sleep duration 4.73±1.18 vs 4.75±0.76; soreness 3.45±0.79 vs 3.42±0.82; training quality 6.09±1.00 vs 6.18±1.34; severity of affective problems 2.19±0.61 vs 2.18±0.71; behavioral problems 2.30±0.55 vs 2.41±0.82; and social problems 1.61±0.42 vs 1.74±0.38. However, physical problems appeared higher during the late luteal/early follicular phase (2.52±0.54) compared with the late follicular/early luteal phase (1.86±0.47). Race performance (placing percentile) was similar between phases (30.75±22.47 vs 29.50±26.11). Qualitative follow-ups, consistent with the biopsychosocial model, revealed a universal desire for greater awareness of menstrual cycle effects, including physical, psychological, and social changes. Athletes described week-to-week differences in energy, focus, motivation, recovery, strength, and mood. They emphasized that open communication and flexible expectations in both athletics and academics are key to supporting female athletes.
Conclusions: Although participants showed similar scores across most variables between menstrual phases, individual day-to-day impacts varied. A supportive environment that acknowledges this and adjusts training and academic expectations is crucial for athlete success. Flexible training and ongoing coach–athlete communication can help runners listen to their bodies, manage expectations, and maintain a positive experience even on difficult days.
References:
[1] Rosińska-Lewandoska et al., J. Educ. Health Sport, 2025.
[2] Chica-Latorre et al., Front. Sports Act. Living, 2025