This study aims to investigate the effects of different phases of the menstrual cycle on gait spatiotemporal characteristics, pelvic kinematics, and sleep quality in healthy women aged 18-35 years with regular menstrual cycles. Participants will be assessed in three phases of the cycle: early follicular (days 1-3), ovulation (days 7-9, confirmed by ovulation test), and luteal (days 20-23). Gait parameters and pelvic kinematics will be evaluated using the BTS-G walk sensor system, while sleep quality will be assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The study seeks to determine whether physiological and hormonal changes during menstrual phases lead to measurable differences in gait, pelvic motion, and sleep quality.
This cross-sectional, prospective observational study investigates the influence of menstrual cycle phases on gait spatiotemporal characteristics, pelvic kinematics, and sleep quality in healthy women aged 18-35 years with regular menstrual cycles (28 ± 7 days). Hormonal changes during the cycle may affect musculoskeletal performance, balance, and sleep quality, yet the extent of these effects on gait and pelvic motion has not been fully clarified. Participants will be evaluated in three phases of their menstrual cycle: Early follicular phase (days 1-3), determined by the onset of menstrual bleeding, Ovulation phase (days 7-9), confirmed by a salivary ovulation test, Luteal phase (days 20-23), approximately 6-8 days after ovulation. At each phase, gait spatiotemporal parameters (speed, cadence, stride length, stance and swing phases, gait cycle duration) and pelvic kinematics (tilt, obliquity, rotation symmetry) will be assessed using the BTS-G walk wireless sensor system. Sleep quality will be measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
40
Yuksek Ihtisas University
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Gait Speed Across Menstrual Phases
Within-subject change in comfortable gait speed (meters/second (m/s)) measured by BTS-G walk sensor in three phases: early follicular (days 1-3), ovulation (days 7-9; salivary test-confirmed), luteal (days 20-23).
Time frame: Within one menstrual cycle (~3-4 weeks).
Change in Cadence Across Menstrual Phases
Within-subject change in step cadence( steps/min) recorded by BTS-G walk across the same three phases.
Time frame: Within one menstrual cycle (~3-4 weeks).
Change in Stride Length Across Menstrual Phases
Within-subject change in stride length (centimeters/cm) captured by BTS-G walk across the three phases.
Time frame: Within one menstrual cycle (~3-4 weeks).
Change in Stance and Swing Phase Percentages
Within-subject change in stance (%) and swing (%) durations during gait across phases using BTS-G walk.
Time frame: Within one menstrual cycle (~3-4 weeks).
Change in Pelvic Kinematics
Within-subject change in pelvic tilt (degree), obliquity (degree), and rotation symmetry (degree) indices obtained from BTS-G walk across phases.
Time frame: Within one menstrual cycle (~3-4 weeks).
Change in Sleep Quality
Within-subject change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score across phases. The PSQI is scored between 0 and 21. Higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality.
Time frame: Within one menstrual cycle (~3-4 weeks).
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