Strength-sport athlete and coach perspectives and training practices throughout the menstrual cycle

Despite increasing participation of female athletes in strength-sports such as weightlifting and powerlifting, there is limited research investigating how the menstrual cycle (MC) and MC-related symptoms may influence the strategies and training practices elite athletes and coaches employ to optimise training, wellbeing and competition outcomes. The aim for this study was to investigate both athlete and coach perspectives and lived experiences, to provide real-world application pertaining to athlete health, training, and competition performance throughout the MC. Four semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted, including eight elite female weightlifters and powerlifters, and seven coaches (n = 4 M, 3F). Thematic analysis was conducted using an interpretive phenomenological approach to identify key themes. Athletes shared various experiences of MC-related symptoms including low-back pain, increased fatigue, and changes in technique. Athletes and coaches provided insight into how they adjusted training in response to MC-related symptoms including reducing intensity and swapping exercises or training days. Participants also acknowledged the importance of addressing other factors such as the prevailing stigma of the MC, communication barriers, and knowledge gaps, as these contribute to appropriately managing MC-symptoms around training and competition. This data contributes to our understanding of MC-symptomology, and management of training throughout the MC in strength-sport athletes. Importantly, this research highlights the need to normalise the MC further while advancing knowledge and awareness in the strength-sport environment. Future research integrating MC-symptom tracking and subjective measures alongside objective performance may further clarify the impacts of the MC on elite strength-sport athletes.