Women Athletes Show Faster Reaction Times During Ovulation, Study Finds
Women athletes demonstrate significantly improved cognitive function and reaction times during ovulation, according to research published today.
Researchers at University College London (UCL) tracked 54 women aged 18 to 40 who were not using hormone-based contraception, categorizing them by activity level – from inactive to elite athletes. Participants completed cognitive tests at different points in their menstrual cycle, reporting mood and symptoms throughout. The study, published in Sports Medicine – Open, revealed that women generally reacted approximately 30 milliseconds faster and made fewer errors during ovulation compared to other phases of their cycle. Elite athletes experienced an even more pronounced effect, with reaction times up to 120 milliseconds faster and simple reaction times 80 milliseconds quicker during ovulation.
“At an elite level, 80 milliseconds slower reaction times makes a big difference and in a fast-paced sport like rugby, it could put you at greater risk of concussion or serious musculoskeletal injury,” explained Dr. Flaminia Ronca, lead author of the study from UCL Surgery and Interventional Science and the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health. The research also highlighted the benefits of even moderate physical activity; inactive participants showed reaction times roughly 70 milliseconds slower and made three times as many impulsive errors, regardless of their cycle phase. This finding underscores the importance of regular exercise for overall cognitive health, as even small improvements in reaction time can be crucial for preventing falls and maintaining balance – a growing concern as populations age. You can learn more about the benefits of exercise from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of Women in Sport, emphasized the broader implications of the findings, stating that the cognitive benefits of activity are particularly important for women’s health, especially concerning conditions like osteoporosis. Understanding these cyclical changes could lead to more personalized training and injury prevention strategies for female athletes, and potentially inform broader health recommendations for women. Further research is planned to investigate how these cognitive fluctuations impact performance across a wider range of sports and activities, building on previous work exploring women’s health and performance.
Researchers will continue to analyze the data to determine the long-term effects of these cyclical cognitive changes and explore potential applications for optimizing athletic training and overall well-being.
