Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1982

Thesis Director

William F. Buckellew

Abstract

Ten members of the Eastern Illinois University women's track team were used as subjects to determine the relationship of body weight, blood pressure and heart rate during rest, exercise and recovery to menstruation.

The subjects were tested on two different occasions. The first test was administered within twenty-four hours of the onset of menstruation. The second test was conducted seven days later. During both testing periods blood pressure, body weight and resting heart rate measurements were taken before beginning the treadmill protocol (progressive grade and speed increases up to 4% and 8 mph, respectively). The subjects ran on a motor driven treadmill for five minutes while their heart rates were being monitored every minute. Within two minutes of the completion of the treadmill protocol, a seated recovery blood pressure measurement was taken. Recovery heart rates were also monitored every minute for five minutes.

The BMDP2V- analysis of variance program, including repeated measures, was used to determine whether there was any difference between each minute of exercise and recovery between the two tests.

A t-test was used to determine the differences between mean blood pressures taken before and after exercise as well as body weight and heart rates for both test days.

The study revealed that menstruation had no significant effect on blood pressure, body weight or heart rate responses at rest, during exercise or in recovery from exercise.

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