Miss Samira Sadat Sajjadi, Mr Mohammad Aziminia, Dr Ali Abbasi, Dr Mehdi Khaleghi Tazji,
Volume 0, Issue 0 (11-2019)
Abstract
Introduction
During the menstrual cycle, the body experiences fluctuations in sex hormones, which can affect performance and injury rates in women. In the integrated human body system, the coordination between joints and limbs influences each other and the ultimate goal of movement.
Objective
The study aimed to investigate the impact of different phases of the menstrual cycle on the variability of pelvic-hip rhythm coordination during the execution of the roundhouse kick in taekwondo.
Methods
This applied, quasi-experimental study was conducted on 12 elite female taekwondo athletes from Tehran, selected through convenience sampling. Kinematic data were collected using 8 Vicon cameras (240 Hz) and the Plug-in Gait marker system across three menstrual phases (follicular, ovulation, and luteal). The data were processed using a fourth-order Butterworth filter. Joint range of motion (ROM) was analyzed using Nexus software, and coordination variability was calculated using the modified vector coding method. One-way ANOVA and parametric statistical mapping were used to examine differences in joint angles, coordination patterns, and variability.
Results
The results of study showed no significant relationship between the ROM of the hip and pelvic joints, the frequency of coordination patterns, and variability across different phases of the menstrual cycle (P ≥ 0.05).
Discussion and Conclusion
The findings suggest that adaptations developed through years of training under various menstrual cycle conditions may mitigate the significant impact of this factor on the performance of elite athletes. Additionally, the skill level of professional athletes enables them to optimally utilize coordination variability to achieve desired performance outcomes.
