Salwa Mostafa Al-Badry, Abeer Mohamed Eldeeb, Amr Helmy Yehia, Mariam Hossam El Ebrashy‎

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to study the effect of different phases of the menstrual cycle on lung functions in female athletes.

Patients and methods: Forty-six swimmers aged 15 to 20 years old and body mass index of >19.9 kg/m² were selected. Zan spirometer was used to assess lung functions including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV), Tiffeneau index, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) of each swimmer in different menstrual phases. Results: In the swimmers, the mean values of FVC, FEV, Tiffeneau index, and PEF were significantly higher (p=0.001) in the luteal phase when compared to the menstrual phase. In addition, the mean values of FVC, FEV, Tiffeneau index, and PEF were significantly higher in the ovulatory phase compared to the menstrual phase (p=0.001, 0.005, 0.001, and 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Phases of the menstrual cycle should be taken into consideration to design the best program for the swimmers‎.