This study aims to investigate the biochemical, hormonal, and physiological adaptations to a 10-week periodized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programme in elite female futsal players. The study will examine changes in aerobic fitness, blood lactate kinetics, muscle damage biomarkers, inflammatory markers, and reproductive hormones throughout the intervention. In addition, the influence of menstrual cycle phases on these physiological responses will be evaluated to improve understanding of sex-specific training adaptations and recovery. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based, individualized training and recovery strategies for female futsal athletes.
Female futsal is a high-intensity intermittent team sport requiring substantial aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Despite increasing participation of women in competitive sports, limited evidence exists regarding the biochemical and hormonal adaptations to structured interval training, particularly across different menstrual cycle phases. This prospective longitudinal study will recruit 32 elite female futsal players who will participate in a supervised 10-week periodized HIIT programme consisting of lactate threshold training, anaerobic intensification, and sport-specific interval training. Physiological assessments will include VO₂max, lactate threshold, blood lactate kinetics, creatine kinase, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, cortisol, and reproductive hormones. Menstrual cycle phases will be monitored using validated menstrual tracking methods and hormonal confirmation. Outcomes will be assessed repeatedly throughout the intervention to determine temporal adaptations and the influence of menstrual cycle phase on training responses and recovery. The results are expected to support individualized, evidence-based training prescription for female athletes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
32
Female futsal players will undergo standardized physical performance testing during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Assessments include agility, sprint speed, repeated sprint ability, explosive power, balance, and aerobic fitness. The study involves repeated performance assessments only, and no drug, device, surgical procedure, or therapeutic intervention will be administered.
Soran Univeristy
Soran, Erbil Governorate, Iraq
Mean Change from Baseline in Maximum Oxygen Uptake (VO₂max)
Maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max) measured during a graded incremental treadmill exercise test with respiratory gas analysis. Unit of Measure: mL·kg-¹·min-¹.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Mean Change from Baseline in Velocity at VO₂max (vVO₂max)
Velocity at VO₂max (vVO₂max) measured during a graded incremental treadmill exercise test. Unit of Measure: km/h.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Mean Change from Baseline in Lactate Threshold Velocity
Lactate threshold velocity determined during incremental exercise testing. Lactate threshold velocity is defined as the running velocity corresponding to the lactate threshold. Unit of measure: km/h. Higher values indicate improved aerobic endurance.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Mean Change from Baseline in Resting Blood Lactate Concentration
Resting blood lactate concentration measured from venous blood samples collected under standardized resting conditions before exercise. Unit of Measure: mmol/L. Lower concentrations indicate improved metabolic efficiency.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Mean Change from Baseline in Lactate Clearance Rate
Lactate clearance rate calculated as the rate of decline in blood lactate concentration from serial post-exercise measurements obtained during standardized recovery. The calculated clearance rate is reported as one value in mmol/L/min. Higher clearance rates indicate improved metabolic recovery.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 10
Serum Creatine Kinase (CK) Concentration at Predefined Recovery Time Points
Serum creatine kinase concentration measured at baseline and predefined post-exercise recovery time points. Repeated CK concentrations are evaluated across the predefined sampling time points. Unit of Measure: U/L.
Time frame: Baseline; immediately post-exercise; 24 hours; 48 hours; and 72 hours
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Serum interleukin-6 concentration measured as an indicator of exercise-induced inflammatory response. Unit of Measure: pg/mL. Lower resting concentrations and appropriate acute exercise responses indicate improved inflammatory regulation.
Time frame: Baseline; immediately post-exercise; and recovery period
Serum Cortisol
Serum cortisol concentration measured to evaluate physiological stress responses associated with high-intensity interval training. Unit of Measure: µg/dL.
Time frame: Baseline; menstrual phase-specific assessments; and Week 10
Serum Estradiol
Serum estradiol concentration measured to characterize hormonal status during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Unit of Measure: pg/mL.
Time frame: Phase-specific assessments during the intervention
Serum Progesterone
Serum progesterone concentration measured to confirm menstrual cycle phase and evaluate hormonal responses during the intervention. Unit of Measure: ng/mL.
Time frame: Phase-specific assessments during the intervention
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.