Stress, Recover and Adapt: The potential influence of the female Menstrual Cycle

UKSCA Coach Considerations

Kirsty Hicks - STRESS, RESPOND AND RECOVER: THE POTENTIAL INFLUENCE OF THE FEMALE MENSTRUAL CYCLE. Kirsty has worked in elite sport for over a decade, specifically within women's football. In this session Kirsty will examine the latest scientific evidence in an attempt to unravel the effect of the menstrual cycle on performance, recovery, and adaptation. The talk will critically discuss whether performance varies across the menstrual cycle, whilst also considering the use of oral contraception on performance. To achieve optimal performance, it is of paramount importance that we optimise the opportunity to recover and adapt immediately post and during the extended post-recovery days. Therefore, we will also discuss whether the response to, and the recovery from, an acute bout of exercise varies across the menstrual cycle. In addition to the normal measures of performance and recovery, we will focus on the symptoms experienced across the menstrual cycle. We will consider and discus the prevalence, frequency, and severity of symptoms, and whether they might affect performance and recovery in some female athletes. Finally, we will discuss how we can best use this information to inform practice, and enhance the support provided to female athletes"This podcast was recorded live at the UKSCA Annual Conference. Supporting materials and the full video presentation are available on the UKSCA website. Visit www.uksca.org.uk for more details.