None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This observational study examines how routine team-based physical training influences salivary immune and hormonal responses during different menstrual phases in elite female athletes. Participants complete standardized 90-minute training sessions in both the follicular and luteal phases, with saliva samples collected before and after exercise. The purpose of the study is to determine whether menstrual cycle–related hormonal fluctuations alter acute immune responses to physical training. We hypothesize that immune and hormonal responses will differ between menstrual phases.
Interventions
Routine team-based physical training as the exposure. Elite female athletes complete one 90-minute routine training session during the follicular phase (cycle days 7–12) and one during the luteal phase (days 20–25). Unstimulated whole saliva is collected 10 minutes before and within 10 minutes after each session to assay SIgA, lactoferrin, a-amylase, nitric oxide, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. No experimental intervention is delivered by researchers; training is organized
Routine team-based physical training as the exposure. Elite female athletes complete one 90-minute routine training session during the follicular phase (cycle days 7–12) and one during the luteal phase (days 20–25). Unstimulated whole saliva is collected 10 minutes before and within 10 minutes after each session to assay SIgA, lactoferrin, a-amylase, nitric oxide, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. No experimental intervention is delivered by researchers; training is organized by the athletes’ teams
Sponsors
National Taiwan University of Sport
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Elite female athletes aged 18–25 years. Regular menstrual cycles (21–35 days) for the past three months. Not using hormonal contraceptives. Training at least 14 hours per week in structured team-based programs. Members of national or university-level competitive teams.
Exclusion criteria
Irregular menstrual cycles (< 21 days or > 35 days). Use of hormonal contraceptives within the past six months. Current injury or illness affecting training or saliva collection. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Any diagnosed endocrine or immune disorder.
Outcome results
None listed