Aerobic exercise performance in hot temperature environments: Influence of the rise of core body temperature during the luteal menstrual cycle phase

Details

Supervisors

Piperi, Anna

Faculty

Faculté des sciences de la motricité

Degree label

Master [60] en kinésithérapie et réadaptation

Abstract

Background: Endurance sporting events are increasingly taking place in hot environments these past years, creating a need for athletes to adapt their trainings and better prepare for competition under heat stress. Research on the topic has mainly focused on males, partially because of the lack of knowledge on how the menstrual cycle could affect exercise performance. Systematic reviews have been conducted on the influence of menstrual cycle phases on exercise performance in temperate conditions, but no review has been found to discuss this topic for hot environments. Objectives: The objective was to determine if the elevation in basal body temperature during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle impacts aerobic performance in exercising women. Methods: This narrative review used the PICO criteria for article research and selection. A modified Downs and Blacks checklist was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. Results: A total of five studies with 35 participants were analysed. A possible small decrease in aerobic performance was shown to occur during the luteal phase compared to the follicular. However, the methodological quality of the studies was moderate/low, mainly due to a lack of proper menstrual cycle phase verification. Conclusion: The elevation of core temperature during the luteal phase might affect aerobic exercise performance, although more studies are needed to confirm this finding. Future research on the topic should follow the latest methodological recommendations in order to assure qualitative results.