Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Heather Abbott

Second Advisor

Alexander Bianco

Third Advisor

Sophie Seward

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to understand whether collegiate female athletes perceived that their menstrual cycle influenced sleep, mood, and training. Additionally, it looked to identify which phases of the menstrual cycle (pre-menstruation, menstruation, and post-menstruation) were associated with a positive perception of these three variables. Methods: An online questionnaire was designed and sent out to all NCAA Division I (DI) female athletes whose schools had permitted them to participate in the study. The questionnaire was a novel instrument that assessed the perception of the menstrual cycle on the three variables across the three phases. Inclusion criteria included NCAA DI female athletes 18 years or older who experience a regular menstrual cycle (21-35 day cycle). Exclusion criteria included athletes who were part of a Power Five Conference school, injured, medically diagnosed with mood or sleep disorders, and those who experienced amenorrhea. Analysis: Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA statistical analyses followed by multiple post hoc tests. Results: It was found that female athletes experienced more positive perceptions of sleep quality, mood, and training in the post-menstruation phase compared to the pre-menstruation and menstruation phases. Application: This information can help educate female athletes, coaches, and athletic training staff to help optimize training and performance. By understanding that female athletes experience more positive perceptions of sleep quality, mood, and training during the post-menstruation phase, athletic staff can help educate female athletes on how to be more proactive during the pre-menstruation and menstruation phases with these three variables to create better perceptions and experiences during the two phases.

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