Author(s): DONNELLY, J., VALENTIN, S., EASTON, C., WHITE, A., FORREST, L., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 1304

INTRODUCTION:
Female soccer players report health, wellbeing, and performance implications as a result of their menstrual cycle (MC). Previous research has focused on the adult population with little focus on the adolescent athlete experiences. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the experiences of the MC and performance implications in adult and adolescent soccer players and explore athlete communication with coaches pertaining to the MC.
METHODS:
Female elite adult (n = 44, age 25.0 ± 5.3) and adolescent (n = 80, age 15.0 ± 1.2) soccer players completed an online questionnaire consisting of quantitative and short answer qualitative questions on experiences of the MC and hormonal contraception (HC), and perceptions of communication and support received pertaining to their MC. A mixed-method analytic approach was utilised, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square test for association evaluating quantitative data, and qualitative content analysis for open-text responses.
RESULTS:
Over one quarter (n = 12; 27.3%) of adults reported currently using HC, compared to 10.3% (n = 7) adolescents with the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) as the majority choice (83.3% adults vs 100.0% adolescents). Irregular bleeding was experienced by 80.7% (n = 25) and 89.3% (n = 58) of naturally menstruating adults and adolescents, respectively. A total of 43.6% (n = 17) adults and 35.3% (n = 24) adolescents described their bleeding as “Heavy’ or ‘Very Heavy’. Eight players were pre-menarcheal (10.0%), and 88.0% (n = 7) believed it would negatively impact soccer performance, due to MC symptoms experienced and inconvenience of menses. Adult players were significantly more likely to perceive the MC negatively affected performance (96.3% (n = 26)) than adolescents (78.3% (n = 36)) ((x2 = 1, 62) = 4.32, p = 0.038). Qualitative analysis highlighted a fear of leaking and symptoms experienced as key reasons for the MC negatively impacting performance in both cohorts. Players, especially adolescent players, had difficulties in discussing their MC. Communication strategies differed, with significantly more adult players reporting speaking to a player regarding their MC (82.5%, n = 2) than adolescents (34.5%, n = 19) ((x2 = 1, 43) = 22, p<0.001). A significant association was also identified in athlete perception of coach gender impacting communication, as 84.5% (n = 49) of adolescents believed it was influential compared to 72.5% (n = 29) of adults ((x2 = 2, 78) = 6.95, p = 0.031). A perceived lack of knowledge, ability to relate and awkwardness were all cited as key reasons from both adults and adolescents.
CONCLUSION:
Soccer players report wellbeing and performance impacts due to their MC, highlighting the need for individual understanding and support. Furthermore, understanding the experiences of adolescents allows support structures to develop their practice and enhance comfort in communication, in turn aiming to normalise the conversation.