Menstrual Cycle-Synced Training for ACL Injury

Age: < 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Sophia Ulman

Disqualifiers: Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular, Not menstruating, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if syncing a neuromuscular training program (NTP) with the menstrual cycle can help prevent ACL injuries in young female athletes. It targets those who play sports like soccer and basketball, where quick movements are common. Participants will use an Oura Ring to track their menstrual cycle and engage in an 8-week training program. Female high school athletes who have started their period and have no current conditions affecting movement are ideal candidates. The study aims to develop better injury prevention strategies for female athletes in the future. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to pioneering research that could lead to innovative injury prevention strategies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that participants using hormonal birth control are not excluded, suggesting you may continue with such medications.

What prior data suggests that this training program is safe for female athletes?

Research has shown that aligning neuromuscular training with the menstrual cycle might help lower the risk of ACL injuries in women. No evidence suggests that this type of training is unsafe. Generally, neuromuscular training programs are considered safe and include exercises that boost strength, balance, and stability.

The study presents minimal risks, such as the possibility of falling during exercises or minor skin irritation from tape used in movement evaluations. Participants may take breaks or stop if they feel uncomfortable. Overall, this training method appears well-tolerated and safe for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a groundbreaking approach to ACL injury prevention by syncing neuromuscular training programs with the menstrual cycle. Unlike standard ACL injury prevention methods that don't consider hormonal fluctuations, this protocol aims to harness the natural hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle to potentially enhance training effectiveness. By doing so, it could lead to more personalized and effective injury prevention strategies, potentially reducing the risk of ACL injuries in women.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for reducing ACL injury rates in female athletes?

This trial will compare two approaches to neuromuscular training: the MC-Synced NTP, which aligns training with the menstrual cycle, and the Blinded NTP, which does not. Research suggests that aligning training programs with the menstrual cycle might help reduce movements that increase the risk of ACL injuries. Some studies have found that certain times in the menstrual cycle, such as the middle of the luteal phase, could raise the risk of these injuries. However, not all studies agree, and some have found no connection between menstrual cycles and ACL risk. By matching exercises to different times in the menstrual cycle, athletes might train more effectively and safely. While the evidence is mixed, this approach could lead to more personalized training for female athletes. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for female athletes who participate in running/cutting sports, have regular menstrual cycles, and no current limitations to sport-like movements. They must be post-menarche with no conditions affecting their ability to perform tasks like running or jumping.

Inclusion Criteria

My menstrual cycle is irregular or I use hormonal birth control, but I can still participate.

Participants must also have a mobile phone, personally or via a parent, capable of downloading the Oura Ring app and of syncing to a wearable device via Bluetooth

I am between 13 and 19 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Report not yet starting their menses or not currently menstruating (no period in the prior 3 months)

Participants will be withdrawn if they become pregnant during the course of the study

I am not part of my school's soccer or basketball teams.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Neuromuscular Training Program

Participants take part in an 8-week Neuromuscular Training Program (NTP) with two 30-minute training sessions per week, including dynamic exercises to improve strength, power, balance, and stability.

8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the training program, including evaluation of movement patterns.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Blinded NTP
• MC-synced NTP

Trial Overview The study tests if syncing neuromuscular training programs (NTP) with the menstrual cycle can reduce risky movement patterns and ACL injuries. Participants will wear an Oura Ring to track their cycle and do NTP twice a week for 8 weeks, with some receiving MC-synced exercises.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: MC-Synced NTP Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Menstrual cycle-synced neuromuscular training program

Group II: Blinded NTP Active Control 1 Intervention

Blinded neuromuscular training program

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Sophia Ulman

Lead Sponsor

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Collaborator

Trials

23

Recruited

9,000+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/menstrual-cycle-synced-training-for-acl-injury-034f3

Menstrual Cycle-Synced Training for ACL Injury Trial Overview The study tests if syncing neuromuscular training programs (NTP) with the menstrual cycle can reduce risky movement patterns and ACL injuries.

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36701354/

Effects of the menstrual cycle phase on anterior cruciate ... Results: Seven of 418 articles were included. Four studies reported no significant differences in ACL injury risk surrogates between MC phases.

3. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0280800

Effects of the menstrual cycle phase on anterior cruciate ... Two studies showed evidence the mid-luteal phase may predispose women to greater risk of non-contact ACL injury. Three studies reported knee ...

4. espn.com espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44917657/fifa-funds-study-link-acl-tears-menstrual-cycle

FIFA funds study into link between ACL tears, menstrual cycle A groundbreaking FIFA-funded study at Kingston University will investigate whether hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles could be contributing to an ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9879429/

Effects of the menstrual cycle phase on anterior cruciate ... This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of the MC on ACL neuromuscular and biomechanical injury risk surrogates during dynamic tasks.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5505581/

Effects of the menstrual cycle on lower-limb biomechanics ... This systematic review evaluates the effects of menstrual cycle on: 1) lower-limb biomechanics, 2) neuromuscular control, and 3) ACL injury risk.