Hormone Induced Effects on Ligament Laxity and Lower Extremity Motor Control

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to expand on previous knowledge of the hormonal effects, specifically estrogen, on ligament laxity, motor control and timing of muscle activation in females. A significant amount of research has previously been done on the effects of estrogen throughout the menstrual cycle on ligament laxity with some showing a correlation of increased estrogen levels with increased ligament laxity. There have also been several studies that investigated muscle activation and ground reaction forces as related to hormone levels and stages of the menstrual cycle. A recent systematic review found a lack of research investigating muscle activation timing as related to hormonal changes despite theories suggesting muscle function including timing could be an explanation as to the potential causes for increased ACL injury correlated with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate whether hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle correlate with changes in ligament laxity, motor control, muscle activation and timing. This study will be a longitudinal controlled study with two groups both containing females ages 18-35 years of age. The subjects will be placed into either the Experimental Group (no birth control) or the Control Group (on birth control) depending on the status of their contraceptive use.

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