Studia Kinanthropologica 2026, 27, 41-55 | DOI: 10.32725/sk.2026.006

The effect of menstrual cycle phase on selected motor abilities in female floorbal players: a pilot study

T. Polívka1, T. Suková2, & L. Černá2
1 Pedagogická fakulta Univerzity Karlovy
2 Pedagogická fakulta Univerzity Jana Evangelisty Purkyně

Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of the research design and to explore potential differences in selected motor and cognitive abilities in female floorball players between the menstrual and non-menstrual phases of the menstrual cycle.

Methods: The sample consisted of 24 female second-league floorball players (age 20.58 ± 2.79 years). A repeated-measures (within-subject) design was applied, with each participant tested in two phases of the menstrual cycle: during menstruation (days 1–3) and the mid-to-late follicular phase (days 7–10). The assessed variables included lower limb explosive strength (CMJ), sprint performance (20 m), and cognitive performance (Stroop test). Statistical analysis involved paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, complemented by effect size calculations.

Results: The results indicate a consistent trend across the examined variables, with lower performance observed during menstruation in the majority of cases. However, given the pilot nature of the study, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory.

Conclusion: The findings suggest a potential decrease in motor and cognitive performance during the menstrual phase in this specific sample. However, due to the pilot nature of the study, the relatively small sample size, possible phase misclassification, and the absence of hormonal verification, the results should be interpreted
with caution. Further research with improved methodological control is needed.

Keywords: menstrual cycle; sports performance; floorball; explosive strength; sprint ability; cognitive performance

Received: June 27, 2026; Revised: September 6, 2026; Accepted: September 8, 2026; Published: October 29, 2026  Show citation

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Polívka T, Suková T, & Černá L. The effect of menstrual cycle phase on selected motor abilities in female floorbal players: a pilot study. Studia Kinanthropologica. 2026;27(1):41-55. doi: 10.32725/sk.2026.006.
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