Examining the Role of Female Endogenous Sex Hormones in Recovery Following Downhill Running

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The fluctuating concentrations of female sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone may have an effect on the ability of the tissue to withstand challenging exercise conditions, such as eccentric exercise. Namely, estrogen has been known to provide membrane stabilization and antioxidant conditions to tissues. This study aims to uncover how the different estrogen concentrations (high, medium, and low) present in 3 phases of the menstrual cycle affect inflammatory conditions and perception of muscle damage (i.e., DOMS) in those that participate in a downhill running protocol.

Detailed Description
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Although nearly half of the population is female, less than 10% of research resources are allocated to understanding how their dynamic physiology impacts athletic readiness, performance, and recovery. The fluctuating concentrations of female sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone may have an effect on the ability of the tissue to withstand challenging exercise conditions, such as eccentric exercise. Namely, estrogen has been known to provide membrane stabilization and antioxidant conditions to tissues. This study aims to uncover how the different estrogen concentrations (high, medium, and low) present in 3 phases of the menstrual cycle affect inflammatory conditions and perception of muscle damage (i.e., DOMS) in those that participate in a downhill running protocol.

Official Title
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Examining the Role of Female Endogenous Sex Hormones in Recovery Following Downhill Running

Conditions
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Inflammatory Response

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Downhill Running


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 18-35 years of age BMI of 18.5-29.9 as a BMI below or above these cut points results in highly varied menstrual cycle lengths [15] Not taking contraception or other types of medication that could influence reproductive status Regular menstruation Non-pregnant Medically free from chronic diseases Novel to downhill running Weight greater than or equal to 110 lbs Not taking exogenous hormones Not suffering from known gynecological disease (i.e., PCOS, endometriosis, etc.) that may influence menstrual cycle regularity Exclusion Criteria: Amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea Perimenopausal or menopausal Recreational or professional trail or downhill runner On a form of contraception Cardiac disability Pacemaker Arterial disease Uncontrolled hemorrhage Blood clots Pregnant or trying to become pregnant Cancerous lesions Sensory or mental impairment Unstable fractures Weight less than 110 lbs Suffering from gynecological disease (i.e., PCOS, endometriosis, etc.) that may influence menstrual cycle regularity Taking exogenous hormones

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Health Services Research
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Low estrogen; low progesterone<br>Participants will come in while on their period. During this time estrogen and progesterone concentrations are low. | Behavioral: Downhill Running<br>* Participants will complete a 20 minute downhill running protocol on a -12% grade, at  6 mph. Before the running protocol a baseline blood sample will be collected, as well as passive and active delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a countermovement jump and maximal voluntary isometric contraction. After the running protocol, the same tests will be performed again. The metrics will be collected a third and fourth time at 24 hours and 48 hours post exercise, respectively.<br>|
| Experimental: High estrogen; low progesterone<br>Participants will come in just before ovulation, when estrogen concentrations are high and progesterone concentrations remain low. | Behavioral: Downhill Running<br>* Participants will complete a 20 minute downhill running protocol on a -12% grade, at  6 mph. Before the running protocol a baseline blood sample will be collected, as well as passive and active delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a countermovement jump and maximal voluntary isometric contraction. After the running protocol, the same tests will be performed again. The metrics will be collected a third and fourth time at 24 hours and 48 hours post exercise, respectively.<br>|
| Experimental: Medium estrogen; high progesterone<br>Participants will come in just after ovulation when estrogen concentrations are at a medium level, and progesterone concentrations are high. | Behavioral: Downhill Running<br>* Participants will complete a 20 minute downhill running protocol on a -12% grade, at  6 mph. Before the running protocol a baseline blood sample will be collected, as well as passive and active delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a countermovement jump and maximal voluntary isometric contraction. After the running protocol, the same tests will be performed again. The metrics will be collected a third and fourth time at 24 hours and 48 hours post exercise, respectively.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Inflammatory markers | Inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and Prostaglandin E2) will be measured in blood serum to understand how the concentration of estrogen changes the inflammatory response to damaging exercise. | Change over time (pre/post, 24 hour, 48 hour) | 
| Counter movement jump height | A countermovement jump (CMJ) will be performed on VALD ForceDecks to determine muscle function overtime. | Change over time (pre/post, 24 hour, 48 hour) | 
| Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) | A MVIC will be performed on VALD ForceDecks to determine muscle function overtime. | Change over time (pre/post, 24 hour, 48 hour) | 
| Passive Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) | DOMS will be assessed as participants are stationary to assess their perception of muscle damage over time. | Change over time (pre/post, 24 hour, 48 hour) | 
| Active Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) | DOMS will be assessed as participants complete a wall sit to assess their perception of muscle soreness over time. | Change over time (pre/post, 24 hour, 48 hour) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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menstrual cycle, exercise