Resumen de Effects of menstrual cycle phases on elasticity index in female soccer players

Ángel Muñoz Aloy, Carlos Sanchís Sanz, Ángel Francisco García Fernández, Cristina Monleón García

• The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the menstrual cycle on the elasticity index in female soccer players. A quasi-experimental analysis was carried out with a time series design, with a sample of 14 female players between 16 and 23 years (18.50 ± 1.74) where during all the phases of a menstrual cycle they had to perform the Squat Jump and Counter Movement Jump tests in order to calculate the elasticity index. Descriptive, normality, sphericity test and a repeated measures ANOVA with a Bonferroni type Post-Hoc test were performed. The most relevant aspect was that there were significant differences in the elasticity index between the Follicular Phase and the Ovulatory Phase, obtaining higher percentages of elasticity index in this second phase, but there were no significant differences between the other phases. The results obtained determine that the elasticity index is higher in the Ovulatory Phase than in the rest of the phases and this could be mainly due to the oestrogen peak and that there are no significant differences in the Luteal Phase demonstrates the relevance of this hormone with respect to explosive strength and the elasticity index. This study will allow the use of strategies with the intention of being able to optimally place the loads during plyometric training in reference to the menstrual cycle. While menstrual discomfort is subjective, they should be taken into account. Conversely, the elasticity index provides a reliable objective data that assists in designing personalized training programs.