Comparison of static and dynamic balance during early follicular and ovulation phases in healthy women, using simple, clinical tests: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Balance may be influenced by several factors. The menstrual cycle can be considered as an important factor which may affect postural control. This study was aimed to investigate the influence of early follicular and ovulation phases on static and dynamic balance indices. Thirty non-athlete healthy women with a regular menstrual cycle aged between 18 and 25 years participated in the study. Static balance was evaluated through single-leg stance test and dynamic balance was investigated with posteromedial direction of Y- balance test during early follicular and ovulation (24–48 hours after the peak of estrogen) phases of menstrual cycle. The balance tests were performed in a randomized order in each session. A paired t-test analysis was performed to compare the data during the early follicular and ovulation phases. The results indicated that both static and dynamic balance scores were higher in ovulation phase in comparison to early follicular phase (p < .001). It is worth noting to consider the balance fluctuations during different phases of menstrual cycle when prescribing exercise programs for healthy women or when they participate in sport or recreational activities.