Effects of a sexual assault scenario on handgrip strength across the menstrual cycle

Abstract

Fluctuations in handgrip strength and reaction time were examined across the menstrual cycle. For handgrip strength, there was an interaction between menstrual cycle phase and whether testing involved overtones of sexual assault. Women who were in the ovulatory phase and read a sexual assault scenario were the only ones that showed an increase in handgrip strength. These results are consistent with other evidence that women may have been selected during human evolution to behave in ways that reduce the likelihood of conception as a consequence of rape.