Title: TRAINING LOAD, MENSTRUAL PATTERNS, RECOVERY, AND STRESS’ INTERRELATION AND IMPACT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ELITE FEMALE SWIMMERS
Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Eli Puterman
Committee members: Dr. Cameron Mitchell, Dr. Margo Mountjoy
Defence Chair: Dr. David Wright
Abstract: The primary purpose of this pilot study was to examine the complex interplay between training loads, stress, recovery, menstrual patterns, and performance in female varsity swimmers. This study included 13 female varsity swimmers monitored over two seasons from the University of British Columbia Varsity Swim Team. Data collected included: external load (training volume), internal load (perceived exertion), stress, recovery, menstrual patterns and performance. We aimed to deepen our current understanding of these relationships using continuous-time modeling (CTM). As a novel analytical approach in sports-science research, CTM offers a unique method to evaluate variables change relative to reach other over time. We selected this analytical approach as traditional analytic approaches struggle to capture the nuanced effects of training on performance over time as they unfold, particularly in small populations. Our results showed a significant amount of heterogeneity within the study population. This highlights the importance of an individualized approach to training, recovery, and performance. Additionally, we found increases in external load resulted in a decrease in the rate of change in reported stress metrics. This suggests there may be a delay in the body’s ability to adapt when external load is increased. Unexplained variability was noted in several metrics, including internal load, performance, and recovery, pointing to the influence of additional, factors which were not included in our models. These factors may include sleep quality and/or energy availability status.
In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of CTM in sports science research and underscores the importance of an individualized approach to training and recovery. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the multi-faceted and dynamic nature of female athletes’ health and performance and advocates for tailored interventions to optimize training outcomes and support athlete well-being.
Keywords: continuous-time modeling, training load, stress, recovery, menstrual patterns, performance, female athletes, swimming, sports science