Follicular phase of menstrual cycle is related to higher tendency to suffer from severe injuries among elite female futsal players

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe the injury incidence according to each phase of menstrual cycle (MC) in professional futsal players along two consecutive season and, secondly, to compare the injury incidence and frequency between different phases of the MC. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingsElite futsal players. Participants179 players. Main outcome measurePlayers were registered along two consecutive seasons. Results191 injuries were reported throughout both seasons. The injury incidence was 30.63 days-off during the follicular phase, 23.6 during ovulatory phase and 17.59 days-off in luteal phase, showing higher incidence during the follicular phase. No statistical differences (p > 0.05) were reported for any variable comparing among the three phases of MC. ConclusionsThis study suggests the relevance to track the MC, but reduces its possible relationship or influence on the injury distribution during each phase of the MC. The knowledge of injury incidence, burden and etiology is a key factor to design injury prevention programs with the focus on the most common injuries, where MC could be included as a complementary factor.