Effects of Menstrual Phase on Pulmonary Function and Exercise Performance inYoung Active Duty Women

摘要

Results of the 1988 Active Army Physical Fitness Survey(1) revealed that asignificantly higher percentage of female soldiers between the ages of 17 and 26 failed the 2-mile-run portion of the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), compared to male soldiers of the same age. Successful completion of the APFT is critical to retention and promotion and presumably to combat readiness as well. In their study, O'Connor and Bahrke(1) note that 'a large and unacceptable percentage of soldiers under the age of 35 may not possess the cardiovascular or muscle strength and endurance necessary to withstand exposure to prolonged combat.' However, if the APFT is given to female soldiers during a phase of their menstrual cycle when their ability to perform maximally is reduced, this critical test would not be an accurate reflection of true maximal performance level.