The purpose of this study is to characterize within-person variations in physical activity and exercise behaviors across the menstrual cycle phases. This project aims to examine whether muscular strength performance differs across the early follicular, ovulatory, and mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, and to determine the extent to which physiological factors (heart rate variability and sleep quality) versus psychological factors (mood, self-efficacy, and perceived exertion) explain variation in strength performance and exercise outcomes across the menstrual cycle phases.
The study requires participation over one full menstrual cycle (approximately 30–35 days), including wearing a Garmin watch, completing surveys twice a day, and coming in for two in-person visits. An optional strength training sub-study requires three additional in-person visits to complete a 5-repetition maximum (5RM) of the following lifts: Barbell Back Squat, Barbell Bench Press, and Barbell Deadlift.