The Physical Activity Throughout the Menstrual Cycle course is designed to improve menstrual health literacy in sport, supporting athletes, coaches, and sports professionals in understanding how the menstrual cycle affects physical performance, training, and wellbeing. Through evidence-based content and practical guidance, the course promotes awareness, breaks taboos, and provides tools to create more inclusive and supportive sporting environments, particularly at grassroots level.
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Course description
This comprehensive and free online course provides essential knowledge on the relationship between the menstrual cycle and physical activity, helping participants better understand how physiological, psychological, and cognitive changes can influence performance and training.
The course explores key topics such as:
The phases of the menstrual cycle and essential terminology
The physical, mental, and emotional effects experienced throughout the cycle
How to adapt training loads and programmes based on individual needs
Strategies for strength, endurance, and technique training across different phases
Injury prevention and the impact of the menstrual cycle on risk factors
A strong focus is placed on the role of coaches and sports professionals in fostering open, supportive communication. Participants will learn how to:
Create a safe and inclusive environment for discussing menstrual health
Apply practical and age-appropriate communication strategies
Challenge common myths and misconceptions حول menstruation and performance
Actively listen to athletes and adapt training plans collaboratively
The course also introduces tools for menstrual cycle monitoring, including the use of a dedicated app to support personalised training and informed decision-making.
By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to integrate menstrual health considerations into training practices, improving both performance outcomes and athlete wellbeing.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
This comprehensive and free online course provides essential knowledge on the relationship between the menstrual cycle and physical activity, helping participants better understand how physiological, psychological, and cognitive changes can influence performance and training.
The course explores key topics such as:
The phases of the menstrual cycle and essential terminology
The physical, mental, and emotional effects experienced throughout the cycle
How to adapt training loads and programmes based on individual needs
Strategies for strength, endurance, and technique training across different phases
Injury prevention and the impact of the menstrual cycle on risk factors
A strong focus is placed on the role of coaches and sports professionals in fostering open, supportive communication. Participants will learn how to:
Create a safe and inclusive environment for discussing menstrual health
Apply practical and age-appropriate communication strategies
Challenge common myths and misconceptions حول menstruation and performance
Actively listen to athletes and adapt training plans collaboratively
The course also introduces tools for menstrual cycle monitoring, including the use of a dedicated app to support personalised training and informed decision-making.
By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to integrate menstrual health considerations into training practices, improving both performance outcomes and athlete wellbeing.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Curriculum
Module 1. Introduction: Why the menstrual cycle matters in sport
1.1 Course overview, rationale and objectives
1.2 Why the menstrual cycle has been overlooked in sport and science
1.3 Key terminology and concepts: Simple definitions of key terms and menstrual phases
Module 2. Understanding the menstrual cycle and its impact on training and performance
2.1 Physical effects throughout the cycle
2.2 Psychological and cognitive effects
Module 3. Strategies and recommendations to adapt training
3.1 How to adapt training loads
3.2 Strategies for strength, endurance, and technique training
3.3 Tips to prevent injuries/Influence in injury
3.4 General examples of adjusted training plans for different sports
Module 4. Coach-athlete communication on the topic of the menstrual cycle
4.1 The coach's role in normalising the conversation. How to build a safe and open environment.
4.2 Practical communication strategies. Age-appropriate communication: Tailoring the conversation for youth vs. adult athletes.
4.3 Deconstructing common myths and misconceptions about periods and performance. Navigating potential cultural sensitivities with awareness and respect.
4.4 How to actively listen to an athlete's feedback and collaboratively adjust the plan.
Module 5. Keeping track of the cycle and its effects: using the app
5.1 Menstrual cycle monitoring, explaining how it has been done so far
5.2 Introducing the rationale for the development of the app.
This course is developed within the framework of the “Women Fitness Cycle” Erasmus+ project, coordinated by UNIVERSITAS, which aims to advance research on the relationship between the menstrual cycle and physical activity.
The project focuses on:
Developing European guidelines for training based on the menstrual cycle
Increasing menstrual health awareness and education in sport
Providing practical tools and resources for athletes and coaches
Delivered online and accessible to a wide audience, the course supports a more informed, inclusive, and evidence-based approach to women’s health in sport.
Funded by the European Union. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or EACEA.
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The Physical Activity Throughout the Menstrual Cycle course is designed to improve menstrual health literacy in sport, supporting athletes, coaches, and sports professionals in understanding how the menstrual cycle affects physical performance, training, and wellbeing. Through evidence-based content and practical guidance, the course promotes awareness, breaks taboos, and provides tools to create more inclusive and supportive sporting environments, particularly at grassroots level.
