Author(s): SCINICARELLI, G., WILKE, C., Institution: GERMAN SPORT UNIVERSITY COLOGNE, Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 1724

INTRODUCTION:
The different hormonal levels during the female menstrual cycle phases could negatively influence the athletic performance of female athletes, especially during the first (follicular) than the second (luteal) phase. Consequently, this can increase the susceptibility to lower extremity injuries. The ability of single-leg balance or jumping are fundamental
variables in order to succeed in professional and amateur sports. The aim of this study was to observe differences in functional performance tests between the two phases of the menstrual cycle in female football players.
METHODS:
Cross-sectional study. 17 female amateur football players (26.82 ± 5.39 years) were tested twice during the
follicular (T1) and luteal (T2) phase of the menstrual cycle by using the Y-Balance Test and the Single-leg Jump for Distance Test.
RESULTS:
No significant differences in single-leg functional performance between the follicular and luteal phases have been found for both tests (p > .05).
CONCLUSION:
The different menstrual cycle phases have no influence on functional performance tests in female football players. Therefore, specific preventive training programs focused on balance and jumping skills are recommended during the entire menstrual cycle. Finally, further studies should ensure a more valuable injury prevention approach by the inclusion of motion quality analyses during the
menstrual cycle phase.