International Journal of Advance Research Publication and Reviews

International Journal of Advance Research Publication and Reviews
Peer-Reviewed | Multi-Disciplinary Journal

ISSN: 3049-0103 (O)

Impact Factor: 4.33

The Influence of Menstrual Symptoms on Rehabilitation Adherence and Functional Recovery Among Female Athletes

Author

Ananya R. Deshpande

Abstract

 Background. Only 55% of athletes return to competitive sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and adherence to rehabilitation is one of the few modifiable factors behind that outcome. Menstrual symptoms are reported by most exercising women, yet they are almost never recorded as a barrier to rehabilitation.

Aim. To examine how menstrual symptoms such as pain, fatigue, heavy bleeding and mood change may affect adherence to sport-injury rehabilitation and functional recovery in female athletes, and to propose a symptom-informed rehabilitation model.

Methods. A narrative evidence synthesis of prevalence surveys, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on menstrual symptoms in athletes, pain sensitivity in dysmenorrhoea, rehabilitation adherence and return-to-sport outcomes.

Results. Dysmenorrhoea affects about 71% of young women. In surveys of athletes, 77% of elite athletes not using hormonal contraception, 93% of international rugby players and over 80% of 6,812 recreational exercisers reported negative menstrual symptoms. Heavy menstrual bleeding affects 36–37% of marathon runners and elite athletes. Symptoms reduce availability to train. Women with dysmenorrhoea also show heightened pain reactivity, while self-efficacy and perceived treatment efficacy predict adherence. Together these findings define four plausible pathways from symptoms to poorer recovery: missed sessions, reduced effort, impaired psychological readiness and distorted outcome testing.

Conclusion. Menstrual symptoms are a common and largely invisible threat to rehabilitation adherence. Routine symptom screening, iron assessment, symptom-responsive session planning and open communication are low-cost measures that could protect adherence and improve the accuracy of return-to-sport decisions. Direct prospective data in injured athletes are now needed.

Keywords

menstrual symptoms; dysmenorrhoea; heavy menstrual bleeding; rehabilitation adherence; return to sport; female athlete; ACL reconstruction; sports physiotherapy

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References

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