Menstrual cycle does not affect the mechanical properties of muscle and tendon

Abstract

Background. The evidences suggest that the risk of orthopaedic injury is the highest in the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle. The change on mechanical properties of muscle and/or tendon related the higher estrogen concentration in the ovulation phase may be related to the highest risk of orthopaedic injury in ovulation phase. The purpose of the study was to investigate the menstrual cycle effect on the stiff-ness, elasticity and/or tone of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, Achilles and patellar tendons. Methods. The study was carried out in 30 healthy sedentary young females. The stiff-ness, elasticity and/or tone of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, Achilles and patellar tendons were measured using a MyotonPRO device. The stiffness, elasticity and/or tone of selected muscle and tendons were measured in the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases to determine the menstrual cycle variation. Results. There was no significant difference in stiffness, elasticity and tone of the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon and medial gastrocnemius muscle among phases (p >05). Conclusions. The results suggest that the menstrual cycle do not affect the stiff-ness, elasticity and/or tone of the medial gastrocnemius muscle, Achilles and patellar tendons.