Does Phase of the Menstrual Cycle Affect Balance and Postural Control?

Abstract.

The aim of the study is to examine the effects of menstrual cycle phases (MCP) on balance and postural control. The study was carried out with 63 volunteer women. Digital ovulation kits and, a Menstrual Cycle Regularity Questionnaire (MCRQ) to detect menstrual cycle regularity and duration, Premenstrual Syndrome Questionnaire (PMSQ) to question the presence of premenstrual syndrome, Menstruation Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ) to assess menstrual attitudes, International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) to question physical activity level was used. Balance and postural oscillation were evaluated with Balance Master balance and performance test device and Tekscan MatScan™ Pressure Mat System, respectively. All evaluations were repeated twice, in the preovulatory period and the postovulatory period. When the evaluations of the preovulatory period and the postovulatory period were compared, there was %3 increase in the percent weight-bearing of the non-dominant extremity (p = 0.01) and %2.5 decrease in the percent weight-bearing of the dominant limb in the postovulatory period (p = 0.01). %8 increase in functional reach distances was detected in the postovulatory period (p < 0.01). It was determined that there was %7.4 decrease in the oscillation rate of the center of gravity in the static stance with eyes open and %9 decrease in the static stance with eyes closed in the postovulatory period (p = 0.35, p = 0.18, respectively). It has been determined that the balance and postural control of young women are negatively affected in the preovulatory period and the function improved from the preovulatory period to the postovulatory period.

Keywords:

• menstrual cycle
• postural balance
• ovulation

AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS

AE, contributed to idea, concept, design, data collection process, literature review, writing. SK, contributed to idea, concept, design, data collection process, literature review, writing. MBS, contributed to idea, concept, design, data collection process, literature review, writing. ÖÇT, contributed to idea, concept, design, analysis, critical review, consulting. GT, contributed to idea, concept, design, analysis, critical review, consulting. All authors have read and approved the article.

In our study, the relationship between menstrual cycle and balance and postural control was examined. We need to do a lot of analysis to examine this, and since we use objective methods, we need to explain them in detail in the method section. So we crossed the word limit.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.