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Start date: 2020Subject: search.filters.subject.420702 Exercise physiology

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    Assessing fatigue in adult blood cancer patients : a 24-hour repeated cardiopulmonary exercise test in New Zealand (a pilot study) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of a Masters in Health Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2025) Fuller, Toby Christian
    Purpose: Cancer-related fatigue is a persistent issue in long-term survival for cancer patients in remission. This study assessed the effects of cancer-related fatigue/post-exertional malaise in adult blood cancer patients aged 20-35 years of age. Methods: Five adult blood cancer (ABC) patients in remission and five healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Each participant completed a maximal incremental cycle exercise test on day one and again 24 hr later. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), oxygen consumption (VO 2), carbon dioxide production (VCO 2) and workload (WL) were recorded during the 24-hour repeated CPET. Data analysis investigated these responses at anaerobic threshold (AT) and peak work rate (PWR). Results: On day one, VO 2 at PWR were similar between both groups (ABC 38.62 +/- 16.21 ml.kg.min -1, HC 38.91 +/- 14.14 ml.kg.min -1), despite a difference in WL (ABC: 186 +/- 44.49 Watts; HC: 222 +/- 35.81 Watts). On day two, ABC saw a decrease in WL (165 +/- 45 Watts) alongside VO 2 (35.34 +/- 16.67 ml.kg.min -1) at PWR, despite no change in WL (D2: 222 +/- 38.83 Watts) and a slight increase in peak VO 2 for HC (40.19 +/- 14.61 ml.kg.min -1) at PWR. Across the two-day comparison, there was a significant decrease in VCO 2 (P=0.32), Time to completion of the test (P=0.17), WL (P=0.05), and HR (P=0.02) at PWR in ABL compared to no significant changes in HC. No significant changes were seen at AT in either group. On the second day, ABC could only increase HR to 87% +/- 6.84% of Max HR, compared to achieving 95.09% +/- 4.69% of Max HR on day one. Conclusion: These results highlight significant cancer-related fatigue/post-exertional malaise in adult blood cancer patients in remission. This fatigue will affect participants' emotional, social, and physical well-being and reduce their ability to lead everyday lives. This study forms an important stepping stone for how fatigue is assessed and exercise prescribed in cancer survivors.
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    The cerebrovascular response to resistance exercise in healthy individuals : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024-12-12) Korad, Stephanie
    The brain is a small organ that is sensitive to chemical and pressure changes, which is why it requires tightly regulated blood flow to function optimally, particularly under varying stressors. Resistance exercise (RE) is a unique stressor that produces sinusoidal fluctuations in blood pressure, which alters the cerebral blood flow (CBF) profile to mirror that of the blood pressures. However, the brain possesses regulators that work to achieve stable CBF. These regulators include 1) partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂), 2) cerebral autoregulation (CA), 3) neurovascular coupling (NVC), 4) the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and 5) cardiac output (Q̇). CA is a known mechanism that defends against fluctuations in blood pressure, its efficiency is not as robust as previously thought, as the proposed autoregulatory range from earlier studies has been found to be much narrower. Therefore, stressors that challenge CA outside of the autoregulatory range requires investigation since the autoregulatory range being narrower, could expose the cerebral circulation to larger blood pressure perturbations and challenge stable CBF. This thesis investigated the relationship between RE and CA, focusing on cerebrovascular and cardiovascular haemodynamics during and immediately after dynamic RE in RE-trained and untrained individuals. The comparisons between RE-trained and untrained individuals would shed light on if the constant exposure to the sinusoidal fluctuations in blood pressure elicit functional adaptations that assists with maintaining stable CBF during RE. Furthermore, if functional adaptations do exist, whether that is specific to just increases in blood pressure or decreases in blood pressure or in both directions was also investigated. Additionally, this thesis explored the role of NVC in CBF regulation during RE. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound was used to measure middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) during and after RE as a proxy for CBF. Three experimental chapters examined different aspects of RE-induced fluctuations in blood pressure and their effects on CBF regulation. Chapter Five: During unilateral lower body dynamic RE, using a leg extension exercise, RE-trained individuals experienced greater increases and fluctuations in mean arterial pressure (MAP) compared to untrained individuals. However, mean MCAv (MCAvₘₑₐₙ) did not differ between the two groups. This finding suggests that RE-trained individuals may possess cerebrovascular adaptations that help maintain stable MCAvₘₑₐₙ despite greater blood pressure variability. Chapter Six: After completing dynamic RE, participants immediately stood up to investigate the effects of a hypotensive stressor on MAP and MCAvₘₑₐₙ. The RE-trained group exhibited a greater reduction in MAP than the untrained group, yet MCAvₘₑₐₙ remained similar between groups. Additionally, the rate of regulation (RoR), a metric of CA, was higher in the RE-trained group, although the time taken for MCAvₘₑₐₙ to return to baseline was identical. These findings imply that RE-trained individuals may have enhanced CA responses during post-exercise hypotension. Chapter Seven: The role of NVC was explored by comparing MCAv in the ipsilateral and contralateral middle cerebral arteries during unilateral upper body dynamic RE, using a biceps curl exercise. The results indicated that MCAvₘₑₐₙ was similar on both sides during RE, demonstrating that MCAv remains bilaterally homogeneous during dynamic RE. This suggests that, during dynamic upper body RE, NVC does not differentially modulate flow between hemispheres and that MAP has more of an influence on CBF. This thesis demonstrated that habitual RE may lead to cerebrovascular adaptations that help maintain CBF during both dynamic RE and post-exercise hypotensive recovery. It also revealed that during dynamic RE, MAP exerts a dominant influence on MCAv, potentially overriding local regulatory mechanisms such as NVC. These results have important implications for understanding how regular RE influences cerebrovascular health and the brain’s ability to manage fluctuations in blood pressure during physical stress. Furthermore, the findings from this research can be applied to enhance future exercise prescription recommendations.
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    Individual and additive effects of New Zealand blackcurrant powder and caffeine intake on high-intensity intermittent exercise performance : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sport and Exercise Science, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2025-04-15) Nanavati, Krutika Manoj
    Background: Intake of New Zealand blackcurrant in various forms such as powdered extracted anthocyanins, juice concentrate, powdered juice concentrate, and powdered whole fruit (NZBC; containing 105-315 mg of anthocyanins) for 7 days has been shown to improve running and cycling performance and increase fat oxidation during exercise in trained athletes and recreationally active individuals. However, most studies provide the last dose during the 7-day intervention period 1-3 h before exercise, thus raising the question if the improvement in fat oxidation and performance was due to the 7-day loading phase or the acute intake. Caffeine, on the other hand, when consumed acutely, has been shown to improve repeated-sprint performance during a high-intensity intermittent running protocol. Thus, combining NZBC with caffeine may provide an additive or a synergistic effect to athletes to improve exercise performance. Similarly, evaluating the effect of a single dose of NZBC on fat oxidation may provide valuable insights on its potential to delay fatigue during exercise. Aims: 1) To examine the acute effect of NZBC drink consumption (120 mg anthocyanins) on substrate oxidation and plasma free fatty acids (FFA) levels during mixed-intensity cycling in recreationally active males. 2) To examine the acute individual and additive effects of consumption of a NZBC drink (240 mg anthocyanins) with and without caffeine (240 mg) on sprint performance during high-intensity intermittent running in previously fatigued recreationally active males. Methods: Fourteen recreationally active male participants were recruited for this double-blind, randomised controlled crossover trial and each participant took part in four main trials (>7-day washout between trials): placebo (PLA), placebo + caffeine (CAFF), NZBC drink, and NZBC + caffeine drink (NZBC-CAFF). Each main trial was divided into two visits across two days. On the afternoon of Day 1, participants consumed PLA or NZBC and after a 1-h wait period, completed a ~90-min cycling protocol at ~60% maximal power output. Breath-by-breath gas analysis was conducted during exercise (to measure substrate utilisation) and blood samples were taken before, during and immediately after the exercise (to measure FFA). Following cessation of exercise and post-exercise measures, participants were provided with a standardised dinner and reported to the laboratory the next morning after completing >8-h fast. On the morning of Day 2, participants consumed a standardised breakfast and one of the four experimental beverages. Following a 1-h wait period, participants undertook a 10-min standardised warm-up and then completed the modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle-Test (m-LIST) – a validated test designed to replicate the demands of intermittent team sports like football (soccer) and rugby. The m-LIST included 4 x 15-min “paced” intermittent exercise blocks (movement dictated by pre-determined audible “beeps”), followed by 2 x 15-min “prescribed” intermittent exercise blocks (movement at their own pace). Various performance metrics including sprint speed, maximum speed, and distance covered were measured during exercise using sprint timing gates and insole-embedded inertial measurement units. Blood samples were taken before, during, and after the m-LIST to evaluate serum FFA concentration and blood lactate was measured every 15 min before, during and following the m-LIST. Results: Consumption of the NZBC drink had no effect on substrate oxidation during the mixed-intensity cycling protocol. There were no differences in oxygen consumption, fat oxidation, carbohydrate oxidation, and serum FFA concentration with the intake of PLA and NZBC during the trial. There was an effect of treatment on average sprint speed (p = 0.049, η² = 0.259), with NZBC-CAFF and CAFF sustaining higher average sprint speeds from blocks 1 to 6 compared to other treatments during the m-LIST protocol. However, the sprint speed reduced significantly for all four treatments as the trial progressed from blocks 1 to 6 (p = 0.032, η² = 0.341). We also observed a higher peak deceleration with CAFF treatment compared to NZBC (p = 0.038) during the m-LIST protocol. Blood lactate concentrations were higher with NZBC-CAFF treatment compared to PLA (p = 0.038) and NZBC-CAFF was the only treatment in which serum FFA concentration kept increasing 1-h post exercise (p = 0.042 and η² = 0.214). Conclusion: Ingestion of a single drink of reconstituted NZBC powder containing 120 mg anthocyanins had no effect on substrate oxidation and serum FFA concentration during mixed-intensity cycling in recreationally active males. Intake of caffeine with and without NZBC improved sprint performance when consumed, whereas consumption of the NZBC drink alone did not offer similar benefits. Previous studies indicated that the intake of NZBC for 7 days may enhance sprint and time to exhaustion performance, however, the current study's focus on acute effects did not show ergogenic properties on sprint and exercise performance during high-intensity exercise. The increase in serum FFA concentrations with the intake of NZBC-CAFF drink after high-intensity intermittent exercise highlights the need for investigating different markers such as glycerol and β-hydroxybutyrate before, during, and after exercise to provide further insights on fat metabolism. More research is needed to understand the mechanism of action and metabolic consequences of NZBC intake during moderate and high-intensity intermittent exercise.
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    Effect of collagen, compared to milk protein, on acute recovery from exercise induced muscle damage following downhill running : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Master of Health Science in Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Barclay, Rachel H.
    There is evidence to suggest that collagen can increase musculoskeletal connective tissue repair following exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD), however its effect(s) in contrast to a typical post-exercise supplement remains unclear. Therefore, this study compared the effect of collagen hydrolysate (CH) to milk protein concentrate (PRO) on acute recovery from EIMD, and subsequent delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), induced by downhill running. In a double-blind, randomised, independent group design study, 33 recreationally active males (18-40 years) consumed either CH or PRO, containing 25 g of protein, or an isoenergetic carbohydrate placebo (PLA) immediately post-exercise and once daily for three days. Indices of EIMD were measured before and 30 minutes, 24, 48, and 72 hours after 30 minutes of downhill running on a -15% slope at 80% of predetermined VO2max speed. The protocol induced significant EIMD, with time effects (all P = < 0.001) for DOMS (visual analogue scale), countermovement jump, isometric midthigh pull, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, running economy, and biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation. No group or interaction effects (P = < 0.05) were observed for any outcome measures, at any time point of recovery. The findings suggest the consumption of CH or PRO post-exercise does not improve indirect indices of EIMD during the acute recovery period following downhill running in recreationally active males.
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    Use of the Oslo Sports Trauma and Research Centre overuse questionnaire (OSTRC-O2) to measure the prevalence, incidence and severity of musculoskeletal complaints in pre-professional dance students : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Conland, Ellena
    Background: Dance is a demanding and athletic artform with training at the pre-professional level featuring intensive workloads. As such, dance training is associated with high risk of injury, however the extent of dance injuries is unclear. Growing evidence suggests that dancers frequently underreport injury, modify their dancing and are likely to ‘dance through’ pain. Objectives: The Oslo Sports Trauma and Research Centre Overuse Injury questionnaire (OSTRC-O2) was used to assess the extent and severity of musculoskeletal complaints among dancers in pre professional training, assessing their impact on performance, dance modifications, and pain levels. Associations between hours spent in dance training and the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries, injured anatomical locations, and additional physical activity were also observed. Methods: In this cohort study, 21 students of a full-time dance-training school in New Zealand (age 17.6 years ± 1.3 years) were surveyed weekly using the online OSTRC-O2 questionnaire. Additional questions quantified the hours spent in class, rehearsals, performance and extra physical activity, and whether participants sought medical attention. The 5-week observation period included the academic term and end of year performances. Results: Total prevalence rate of musculoskeletal complaints across the five weeks was 2.0 per participant, with nearly all (95%) reporting a complaint and 30% having a substantial problem as defined in the OSTRC context. The incidence of musculoskeletal complaints was 9.5 injuries/1000 dance hours. 88% experienced some level of pain while dancing, but most (98%) continued to participate. Lower legs (38%) and feet and toes (26%) were the most reported locations of injury while less than half (45%) of participants sought medical support. There was some evidence of a positive association between the incidence of musculoskeletal complaints and dance hours with dance style, body weight and dance experience suggestive of higher odds of injury in contrast to age and height which were potentially protective. However, no variables were statistically significant. Conclusion: Among élite level pre-professional dancers, the risk of musculoskeletal complaints is high. The OSTRC-O2 questionnaire severity score can be used to monitor ongoing musculoskeletal complaints and the recovery from such complaints. Changes in the OSTRC severity score can inform dancers, teachers and medical clinicians and can be used as an outcome measure. Dancers appear to manage their musculoskeletal complaints independently and are likely to participate while in pain.
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    Quantifying sprint demands in soccer training : insights from individualised analysis of soccer-specific exercises and small-sided games : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sport and Exercise Science at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024-07-07) Gordon, Daniel
    Training approaches that combine technical, tactical and physical objectives are now commonplace in elite soccer. Determining how teams are able to meet physical training objectives using soccer-specific exercises and small-sided games (SSG) is a key research topic. Sprinting is a fundamental component of physical preparation for elite soccer players, however, the current body of research concerning sprinting during soccer-specific exercises is limited. This is firstly due to the scarcity of studies directly analysing running demands of a sufficient intensity, and secondly due to the use of generic movement analysis variables that do not account for individual differences in maximal sprint speed (MSS). This thesis aimed firstly to describe the individualised sprint demands of typical soccer training and competition, and secondly, to determine which soccer-specific exercises or prescriptive variables are able to elicit sprint demands in line with recommendations for the enhancement of sprint ability and reduction of injury risk. The four studies presented in this thesis combine observational data with global positioning system (GPS) movement analysis, collected in situ from both elite amateur and professional academy players. The cross-sectional data presented in Chapter 4 demonstrate that SSG do not typically elicit maximal (>95% MSS) sprint efforts, while peak running speeds reaching 85-95% of MSS can be achieved when the relative playing area is increased in proportion to competition. Chapter 5, using a diverse sample of SSG data, further demonstrates that relative playing area may be the central factor in determining the peak sprinting speed achieved, while other prescriptive variables such as game objective (goals vs. possession), duration, and limited touch rules also have significant effects. Chapter 6 establishes that non-continuous soccer-specific exercises, such as unopposed and finishing exercises generally elicit a low level of sprint demands, however multi-phase, counter-attacking exercises where player positioning can be tightly constrained were a significant outlier and warrant further investigation. Chapter 7 presents data showing that competitive matches elicit individualised sprint demands greater than those reported in training. The inclusion of isolated sprinting in the physical preparation of elite soccer players is therefore strongly recommended, even when implementing an otherwise fully integrated training approach.
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    Prevalence and frequency of menstrual cycle symptoms in exercising females and their perceived impact on exercise performance : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2023) Wilton, Hannah
    Background: Menstrual cycle symptoms (MCS), experienced by up to 93% of females, can negatively impact quality of life. Yet research investigating the impact of these symptoms on exercise/sport performance is still in its infancy and is largely focused on the elite athletic population. Furthermore, many studies do not account for the fact that 43% - 57% of females do not have a natural menstrual cycle (MC) and are using hormonal contraception (HC). Further investigation is needed to examine the impact of the potential perceived negative effects associated with MCS and HC use on physical performance in exercising females. Objectives: Identify and compare the prevalence and frequency of MCS in naturally menstruating (NM) females and females using HC. Identify and compare the perceived impact of MCS or HC side effects on exercise/sport performance and participation in NM females and females using HC. Methods: Two hundred exercising females (age 26 ± 6 years) participated in this study. Participants completed an online questionnaire which was an amalgamation of four independent validated surveys, including, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – short form (IPAQ) to assess physical activity levels, the Reproductive Status Questionnaire for Menstrual Cycle Studies to assess MC status, the STRAVA x FitrWomen Survey to evaluate prevalence and frequency of MCS and their effect on exercise/sport participation, and the Exercise and Menstruation in Australia Questionnaire to assess perceived impact on exercise/sport performance. After data cleaning to remove incomplete responses, 182 participants were included in the final analysis. For each participant, total number, and frequency of MCS were added based on a Likert scale to receive a menstrual cycle index (MSi) score. Correlations between MSi and likelihood of missing exercise sessions and likelihood of reporting positive, neutral, or negative training outcomes were assessed. Results: Participants were 54.4% NM and 45.6% HC users, with the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) being the most used (23.6%) form of HC. The most prevalent MCS for both groups were, changes in mood/increased irritability, bloating/increased gas, stomach cramps, cravings/increased appetite, and increased tiredness/fatigue. MSi score did not differ significantly between NM females and HC users (p = 0.435). MSi score was weak - moderately correlated to and increased likelihood of missing training in both NM females (p < 0.001) to report negative training outcomes than HC users. Whereas HC users were more likely (P < 0.001) to report no changes to their training performance. Conclusion: Results from this study demonstrate that MCS are very common in exercising females, with no difference in prevalence or frequency between NM females and HC users. The large prevalence of MCS and associations to negative training outcomes and missing training sessions would suggest greater education and awareness on managing and reducing the risk of MCS is imperative to improve the wellbeing and exercise performance of females.
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    An examination of inattentional blindness in the team ball sport of netball : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in Sport and Exercise at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2023) Blackmore, Melissa Lee
    The world around us is a detail-rich place. Therefore, there are numerous stimuli to observe, and as humans, we only have a limited information processing capacity. Thus, on occasion, we can have failures of attention. Inattentional blindness is a specific failure of attention when a person fails to see a clearly visible, but unexpected stimulus because their attention is engaged elsewhere. Inattentional blindness becomes an issue in team ball sports as missing critical stimuli, such as a freely available teammate, may be the difference between winning and losing. The present study examines inattentional blindness in the team ball sport context of netball. This examination has been conducted using a more ecologically valid sport inattentional blindness research paradigm than previously used. The findings of this study provide evidence that inattentional blindness exists in netball.
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    Mini trampoline jumping as an exercise intervention to improve female specific health risk factors and functional fitness in postmenopausal women : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sport and Exercise Science, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2023) Fricke, Anja
    Women have increased risk of functional disability compared to men, including osteoporosis and urinary incontinence. Mini trampoline jumping is a low-impact multi-component exercise that could improve functional fitness and female-specific health risk factors. Therefore, the presented research examined the 1) benefits of a 12-week mini trampoline exercise intervention on female-specific health risk factors and functional fitness; 2) women’s perceptions on efficacy of said intervention, and 3) muscle activity and metabolic responses to mini trampoline exercise in postmenopausal women. Thirty-seven postmenopausal healthy women (N=8 control, N=29 intervention; Age: 58.9 y ± 5.8; BMI: 28.64 kg/m2 ± 6.31) participated in the exercise intervention study. The 12-week exercise programme included three 40-min sessions per week. Female-specific health risk factors (i.e., bone health, pelvic floor muscle functioning, urinary incontinence) and functional fitness (i.e., aerobic fitness, walking speed, lower extremity strength, flexibility, balance) were assessed pre- and post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up session. Women maintained pelvic floor muscle functioning (1% increase; p=0.31) and improved urinary incontinence symptoms (SUI score: 21% decline; p=0.01) following the intervention, compared to the control group who saw a decline of these measures (PFM functioning: 45% decrease; SUI score: 7% decline). Women significantly improved calcaneal bone mineral density following the intervention (8% increase; p=0.02); however, these improvements declined (4%) again at 3-month follow-up. Resting heart rate (8%; p=0.04) and dynamic balance (14%; p=0.01) significantly improved post-intervention. Aerobic fitness (12% increase; p<0.01), average walking speed (7% increase; p=0.01), flexibility (15% increase; p<0.01), and lower extremity strength (20% increase; p<0.01) also improved following the intervention; these benefits remained after three months. A 13-question open-ended anonymous survey examined participant perceptions after the exercise intervention. Intervention adherence rate was high with participants highlighting the social aspect of group exercise and short durations of exercise sessions. Most women would consider taking part in a mini trampoline exercise programme outside of this study. In a separate cross-sectional study, skeletal muscle activity, cardiovascular and metabolic responses for mini trampoline exercises were compared to more commonly prescribed exercises of walking and home-based strength exercises. Seventeen women (Age = 59.6 y ± 3.92; BMI= 25.5 kg/m2 ± 3.8) performed 5-min of walking, home-based exercises, and trampoline exercises; 10-min rest periods occurred between trials. Metabolic responses were higher for mini trampoline and home-based exercises compared to walking. Mini trampoline elicited higher oxygen consumption (7% gain; p=0.01) and RER response (3% gain; p<0.01) compared to home-based exercises. In summary, mini trampoline exercises provide a novel and enjoyable form of exercise for postmenopausal women to improve female-specific health, functional fitness, and metabolic health.
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    Riding with flow : menstrual health in World Cup and World Championship mountain bikers : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2022) Moller, Mary-Ann Rongo
    Background: Menstrual health is an indicator of overall health and is an important aspect of female athlete physiology. Menstrual disturbances can have long term health consequences and are most likely related to high training volumes, disordered eating, and low energy availability. While menstrual health has been studied in some sports, it has been neglected in mountain biking. Objective: To report the menstrual health status of female World Cup and World Championship Mountain bikers with a specific focus on 1) the prevalence of menstrual disturbances; 2) hormonal contraceptive use; and 3) menstrual cycle symptomology and period characteristics. A secondary aim of this research was to compare the menstrual health of cross-country riders and downhill riders. Methods: An online survey was made available for female mountain bikers competing in the 2021 season of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Series, World Championships and Tokyo Olympics. There were a total of 76 valid survey responses. Results: Riders were 85.5% (n = 65) cross-country riders and 14.5% downhill riders (n = 11). The prevalence of menstrual disturbances was 58% (n = 44), with 34% of riders reporting amenorrhea (n = 26) and 47% oligomenorrhea (n = 36). There were no significant age or discipline differences in menstrual disturbances. Twenty-five percent of riders (n = 19) were current hormonal contraceptive users. About a third of riders (29%, n = 22) experienced heavy menstrual bleeding. Fifteen percent of riders (n = 11) had been diagnosed with eating disorders, 58% (n = 44) engaged in disordered eating practices and 9% (n = 7) had been diagnosed with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S ). Conclusions: Over half of all riders in this study had experienced menstrual disturbances. Negative menstrual cycle symptoms were experienced by most. There were no significant differences in menstrual health when comparing cross-country and downhill riders. Eating disorders and associated behaviours were relatively high in mountain bikers and in the higher level riders this was only seen in cross-country riders. Male coaches were a barrier to communication around the menstrual cycle for some female athletes.