Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Performance and Perceived Exertion during Aerobic and Anaerobic Activity

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of menstrual cycle phase on performance and perceived exertion during aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Methodology: Ten female subjects (mean age=20.8) with regular menstrual cycles participated in the study. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed during each of three identical experimental sessions for the duration of one complete menstrual cycle. The experimental trials for each participant were performed before, during and after menstruation. Exercises during the experimental trials included: 1) treadmill running until exhaustion (using the Bruce protocol); and 2) seated leg press (repetitions performed until exhaustion). Results: Results showed no significant differences between menstrual cycle phases in RPE for either aerobic (p=0.345) or anaerobic (p=0.527) exercises. Results also indicated no significant difference in total time to exhaustion (p=0.527) for the aerobic exercise. Conclusion: This study showed that exercise performance and perceived exertion are not affected by the menstrual cycle phase.