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Lead author Dr Flamina Ronca said the study, conducted with the Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health and published in the journal Neuropsychologia, was “proof of principle” this was linked with fluctuating hormones during the menstrual cycle.
“What we’re seeing is that the the reaction times are a bit slower in the luteal phase and that fits with the fact that we’re seeing a greater incidence of of injuries,” she said.
During the luteal phase, women experience:
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a drop in oestrogen, which stimulates parts of the brain.
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increased levels of progesterone, which inhibits cognitive function and can slow reaction times
These changes begin to reverse during menstruation.
“We wondered if injuries could be a result of a change in athletes’ timing of movements throughout the cycle,” Dr Ronca told BBC News.
And she hoped the study would mean women playing contact sports could adapt their game plan around their menstrual cycle.
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