Author(s): FORREST, L., KIEMLE-GABBAY, L., MARTIN, D., VALENTIN, S., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND , Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 891

INTRODUCTION:
The impact of the menstrual cycle (MC) on athlete wellbeing and performance is highly individualised, with athletes often reporting difficulties communicating their MC experiences to their coaches and support staff. However, less is known with respect to facilitating MC communication in sport settings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore athletes’ lived-experiences of the barriers and enablers to MC communication in sport.
METHODS:
Self-identifying female athletes (N=379; age 30 ± 9 years; range = 18-63 years) from 85 sports/exercise activities and 30 different nationalities, completed an online survey consisting of quantitative and short answer qualitative questions regarding their MC communication practices and comfort in communication. A mixed-method analytic approach was utilised, with descriptive statistics summarising quantitative data and qualitative content analysis conducted on open-text responses.
RESULTS:
Athletes’ comfort in communicating with others about their MC was variable; general practitioners, teammates and friends/family were deemed most approachable (75%, 69% and 69% of participants respectively). Athletes perceived people as being more approachable if they had underpinning medical/physiological/psychology knowledge (82%), they were female (80%) and had a lived-experience of MC (71%), whilst being male (3%), having a similar cultural background (5%) and having a lack of familiarity (7%) were reported the least. Just under one half of participants were extremely (7%), very (12%), or somewhat (27%) satisfied with the support they received pertaining to their MC. More than one half (51%) experienced situations in which they found communicating about their MC in a sporting context challenging, however 48% had experienced positive/supportive situations or attitudes towards menstruation/MC. Content analysis of open-text responses showed that the most commonly reported challenges to communication in sport included coaches being male, participants feeling awkward and embarrassed to discuss it, a perceived lack of relationships with coaches, and considering menstruation a personal/private topic. The most commonly reported positive MC-related experiences included open discussions with training partners/groups, training groups/partners/competitors being sympathetic and understanding, other women providing period products and support, and male coaches being supportive and receptive to discussions/altering training if needed.
CONCLUSION:
This study reinforces that athletes and exercisers can experience challenges in MC communication. However, protective/enabling factors such as having supportive teammates and coaches and having underlying MC knowledge helps develop period positive environments in sport.