Influence of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Adaptations to Sprint Interval Training (NCT06744517) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Influence of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Adaptations to Sprint Interval Training
Canada24 participantsStarted 2025-01-01
Plain-language summary
Sprint interval training improves endurance performance and induces metabolic adaptations in muscle. Most research demonstrating these responses has been conducted in males, with limited studies evaluating changes to endurance performance and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in females. Moreover, it is currently unknown if training in specific phases of the menstrual cycle influences adaptations to training. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to compare adaptations to 2 weeks of sprint interval training performed in the follicular vs. luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in healthy, eumenorrheic women.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 35 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Participating in 150 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity/week
* VO2peak of 'good' or above based on American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) normative values(greater than 35.0ml/kg/min)
* Body mass index (BMI) between 18-27 kg/m2
* Performing 2-4 structured exercise sessions/week.
* Weight stable (within ± 2kg for at least 6 months)
* Non-smoker
* Menstrual cycle length of 27-35 days
* Minimal menstrual cycle length variability (less than 3 days)
* Ovulating monthly evidenced by a positive urinary luteinizing hormone surge
* Blood progesterone concentration greater than 16 nmol/L.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Hormonal contraceptive use within the last 3 months
* Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis
* Failure to meet MC verification criteria.
* Diagnosed with cardiovascular or metabolic disease, hyper- or hypogonadism, and/or PCOS
* The use of medication for managing blood glucose or lipid metabolism
* Current use of oral contraceptives or use within the last 3 months
* Irregular menstrual cycles (\<27 days or \>35 days)
* Pregnant or post-partum in the last 12 months, lactating or breast feeding within 3 months of the start of study, or menopausal
* Recreational smoking tobacco
* Inability to perform the study exercise protocols or follow the pre-trial dietary or physical activity controls
* Taking medications affecting substrate metabolism (corticosteroids or nSAIDs)
* Actively engaging in a low-carbohydrate diet (e.g., ketogenic, Atk…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Endurance performance
Timeframe: Before and after 2 weeks of exercise training