Eccentric Exercise, Muscle Damage, and Oxygen Uptake Across Menstrual Cycle Phases

The Effect of Eccentric Exercise on Biomarkers of Exercise Induced Muscle Damage and Oxygen Uptake: Differences Between Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

The existing literature examining the effect of female sex hormones across the phases of the menstrual cycle on muscle microdamage and oxygen uptake is limited. The protective role of estrogens against muscle microdamage is supported by findings from some studies; however, it is questioned by others. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of eccentric exercise on biomarkers of muscle microdamage and on oxygen uptake during two phases of the menstrual cycle in healthy premenopausal women.

Inclusion Criteria:

• No known medical history
• Not receiving any medication or dietary supplementation.
• Stable menstrual cycle

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pathological conditions the last month before enrolment in the study
• Low limb injury the past 4 months
• Unstable menstrual cycle