Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

This study was conducted to assess lung functions during different phases of menstrual cycle in female athletes. Forty-six swimmers aged from 15 to 20 years old and their body mass index ranged from 19.9 to 24.9 kg/m2, participated in this study. They were selected from Sport Medicine Specialized Center, Cairo. Zan spirometer was used to assess lung functions including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV), tiffeneau index, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) of each swimmer in different menstrual phases. Results revealed that the mean values of FVC, FEV, tiffeneau index, and PEF were significantly increased (p=0.001) in the luteal phase when compared to the early follicular phase. Also, there were significant increase in the mean values of FVC (p=0.001), FEV (p=0.005), tiffeneau index (p=0.001), and PEF (p=0.001) in the ovulatory phase when compared to the early follicular phase. Moreover, there were significant increase in the mean values of FVC (p=0.001), FEV (p=0.027), tiffeneau index (p=0.001), and PEF (p=0.001) in the luteal phase when compared to the ovulatory phase. Conclusion, it can be concluded that the lung functions were higher in the luteal phase more than the ovulatory phase. Therefore, phases of the menstrual cycle should be taken into consideration to design the best training programs for the female athlete swimmers

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