Influence of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Adaptations to Sprint Interval Training

NCT ID: NCT06744517

Last Updated: 2025-03-25

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 24 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-01-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-10-31

Brief Summary

Sprint interval training improves endurance performance and induces metabolic adaptations in muscle. Most research demonstrating these responses has been conducted in males, with limited studies evaluating changes to endurance performance and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in females. Moreover, it is currently unknown if training in specific phases of the menstrual cycle influences adaptations to training. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to compare adaptations to 2 weeks of sprint interval training performed in the follicular vs. luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in healthy, eumenorrheic women.

Detailed Description

The primary purpose of the present study is to determine if menstrual cycle phase influences adaptations to 2 weeks of sprint interval training. Participants will be randomized to perform 6 sessions of sprint interval training over 2 weeks in either the Follicular Phase or Luteal Phase of their individual menstrual cycle. Blood and urine sampling will be used to confirm menstrual cycle phases. Training will involve 4-6 x 30-second Wingate sprints with 4 minutes of rest in between (~14-28 min per session). Before and after the training intervention, investigators will measure participant's aerobic and anaerobic performance, cardiorespiratory fitness and skeletal muscle outcomes. Performance and fitness measures are performed on on a stationary bike, and muscle outcomes are measured by taking a small amount of muscle from the vastus lateralis (thigh) muscle.

This study will advance knowledge on how the menstrual cycle influences adaptations to training in females

Conditions

Healthy

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: BASIC_SCIENCE
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Follicular Phase Training

Exercise training in the follicular phase (\~days 1-14) of the participant's menstrual cycle

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Sprint Interval Training

Intervention Type: OTHER

6 sessions of sprint interval training over 2 weeks. Each session involves 4-6 x 30 second Wingate sprints with 4 minutes of recovery in between on a stationary bike

Luteal Phase Training

Exercise training in the luteal phase (\~days 15-28) of the participant's menstrual cycle

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Sprint Interval Training

Intervention Type: OTHER

6 sessions of sprint interval training over 2 weeks. Each session involves 4-6 x 30 second Wingate sprints with 4 minutes of recovery in between on a stationary bike

Interventions

Sprint Interval Training

6 sessions of sprint interval training over 2 weeks. Each session involves 4-6 x 30 second Wingate sprints with 4 minutes of recovery in between on a stationary bike

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Participating in 150 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity/week
• VO2peak of 'good' or above based on American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) normative values(greater than 35.0ml/kg/min)
• Body mass index (BMI) between 18-27 kg/m2
• Performing 2-4 structured exercise sessions/week.
• Weight stable (within ± 2kg for at least 6 months)
• Non-smoker
• Menstrual cycle length of 27-35 days
• Minimal menstrual cycle length variability (less than 3 days)
• Ovulating monthly evidenced by a positive urinary luteinizing hormone surge
• Blood progesterone concentration greater than 16 nmol/L.

Exclusion Criteria

• Hormonal contraceptive use within the last 3 months
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis
• Failure to meet MC verification criteria.
• Diagnosed with cardiovascular or metabolic disease, hyper- or hypogonadism, and/or PCOS
• The use of medication for managing blood glucose or lipid metabolism
• Current use of oral contraceptives or use within the last 3 months
• Irregular menstrual cycles (<27 days or >35 days)
• Pregnant or post-partum in the last 12 months, lactating or breast feeding within 3 months of the start of study, or menopausal
• Recreational smoking tobacco
• Inability to perform the study exercise protocols or follow the pre-trial dietary or physical activity controls
• Taking medications affecting substrate metabolism (corticosteroids or nSAIDs)
• Actively engaging in a low-carbohydrate diet (e.g., ketogenic, Atkins)

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 35 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

University of Toronto

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Jenna Gillen

Assistant Professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

Canada

Central Contacts

Jenna Gillen Assistant Professor, PhD

Role: CONTACT

jenna.gillen@utoronto.ca

4169783244

Facility Contacts

Jenna Gillen

Role: primary

jenna.gillen@utoronto.ca

4169783244

Other Identifiers

HSREB50581

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id