Changes in Proprioceptive Control in the Menstrual Cycle: a Risk Factor for Injuries? A Proof-of-Concept Study

Introduction. Over the past three decades, there has been an increase in female sport participation attributable to the growing development and investment in professional women's sports. For an effective preventive strategy, it is necessary to analyze all risk factors that expose women to a higher probability of incurring injuries. The aim of our study is to evaluate the hormonal influence on proprioception and neuromuscular control, to identify whether a particular phase of the menstrual cycle may be related to a higher probability of injuries. Materials and methods. A group of female participants was objectively evaluated through baropodometric platform test, postural assessment (Tecnobody, Bergamo, Italy), and functional tests at different phases of the menstrual cycle. Results. Eleven participants (age = 29 +/- 3.41) were enrolled in the study. The results showed slight fluctuation (p > 0.05) of postural and proprioceptive control related to hormonal variations of the ovarian cycle. Discussion and conclusions. Despite no significant differences, it is conceivable that, during an athletic gesture with a high functional demand, the different performances shown in relation to the different hormonal concentrations could influence the risk of sustaining an injury. These assumptions assume significance in the context of the development of neuromuscular strategies to prevent lower limb injuries during sports activities.