Data from the project titled "Investigating the Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phases on Balance and Gross Motor Coordination in Elite Female Australian Rules Football Athletes"

The dataset comprises participant-level data collected to investigate the relationship between the menstrual cycle and athletic performance, with a specific focus on balance, coordination, and perceived performance fluctuations across various menstrual phases. The data are organised across multiple categorical, ordinal, and continuous variables, allowing for a multifaceted examination of the potential effects of menstrual cycle dynamics on physical performance indicators and subjective experiences.
Each participant was assigned a unique identifier, and their age was recorded. Participants were also asked to report their menstrual cycle status over the preceding three months. This status was classified into six categories: (1) natural regular menstrual cycle with a normal cycle length, (2) natural irregular cycle, (3) abnormal cycle, (4) absent menstrual cycle, (5) use of hormonal contraceptives with regular bleeding, and (6) hormonal contraceptives without regular bleeding. In addition, data were collected regarding contraceptive use, including whether contraceptives were used to control the menstrual cycle and the reasons for such use.
The dataset further includes information on pre-menstrual symptom frequency, categorised as 'Always', 'Most of the time', 'Sometimes', or 'Never'. Pain intensity experienced during menstruation was self-reported using a numerical rating scale ranging from 1 to 10. Participants were also asked to indicate the phases of the menstrual cycle during which they perceived their athletic performance to be at its worst and best. Options included: during the period, seven days after the period, two weeks before the next period, seven days before the next period, one to two days before the period, or no noticeable difference.

Athletes were surveyed regarding communication with team staff about menstrual cycle-related training or performance issues. This variable captures whether such discussions occurred, and the data are disaggregated by the gender and gender identity of the support staff, including coaches, trainers, and managers. The dataset also explores athletes’ perceptions of being benched during any phase of the menstrual cycle, particularly if a perceived decline in performance occurred at that time.

Cycle tracking data were collected, encompassing both historical and actual cycle lengths. These data include prior cycle lengths, along with actual and average menstrual cycle durations across six to eight cycles, presented as raw values and rounded averages. This tracking facilitates longitudinal analysis of menstrual patterns in relation to performance metrics.

Performance testing outcomes were recorded in detail. Each testing day was linked to the corresponding menstrual cycle phase. Several physical performance tests were conducted, including the Eye-Hand Coordination Test, Stork Balance Stand Test, and Y Balance Test. Additionally, the number of dropped during the Eye-Hand Coordination Test and the number of failed attempts in the Y Balance Test were documented.

This comprehensive dataset offers substantial potential for exploring the nuanced interactions between menstrual cycle phases and athletic performance variables, thereby contributing to a more informed understanding of female athlete physiology and related support strategies.

This dataset can be provided on request for suitable projects. Please contact the Chief Investigator Piyushan Gunawardhana or [e-mail] ORCID 0000-0002-2158-4434

本数据集为探究月经周期与运动表现之间的关联而收集的受试者级数据，重点关注不同月经周期阶段下的平衡能力、协调能力以及主观感知的表现波动。数据集涵盖多分类变量、有序分类变量及连续变量，可从多维度剖析月经周期动态变化对身体运动表现指标与主观体验的潜在影响。

所有受试者均分配有唯一标识符，并记录了其年龄。此外，受试者需报告过去三个月内的月经周期状态。该状态被划分为六类：1. 周期长度正常的自然规律月经周期；2. 自然非规律月经周期；3. 异常月经周期；4. 无月经；5. 使用激素避孕药且有规律出血；6. 使用激素避孕药但无规律出血。此外，数据集还收集了避孕药使用相关数据，包括是否使用避孕药调节月经周期，以及使用该类药物的原因。

数据集还包含经前期症状出现频率信息，分为“始终”“多数时间”“有时”“从不”四类。受试者需通过1至10分的数字评定量表自评经期疼痛强度。受试者还需报告其主观感知运动表现最佳与最差的月经周期阶段，可选选项包括：经期期间、经期结束后7天、下次经期前2周、下次经期前7天、下次经期前1至2天，或无明显差异。

研究人员对运动员开展了关于其与团队工作人员就月经周期相关训练或表现问题进行沟通情况的调查。该变量记录此类沟通是否发生，并按教练、训练师、管理人员等支持人员的性别与性别认同进行细分。数据集还涵盖了运动员对自身在月经周期任一阶段被换下赛场的感知情况，尤其是当该阶段感知到运动表现下降时的相关体验。

数据集收集了周期追踪数据，涵盖历史与实际周期长度。该部分数据包含既往周期长度、6至8个周期的实际经期时长与平均经期时长，以原始值与取整平均值形式呈现，便于开展月经周期模式与运动表现指标关联的纵向分析。

运动表现测试结果被详细记录。每一个测试日均关联至对应的月经周期阶段。本次研究开展了多项身体运动表现测试，包括眼手协调测试（Eye-Hand Coordination Test）、鹳式平衡站立测试（Stork Balance Stand Test）以及Y平衡测试（Y Balance Test）。此外，还记录了眼手协调测试中的物品掉落次数，以及Y平衡测试中的失败尝试次数。

本综合数据集为探究月经周期阶段与运动表现变量间的精细化交互关系提供了充足潜力，有助于更深入地理解女性运动员的生理机制及相关支持策略。

本数据集可应合理项目需求提供。如有需要，请联系首席研究员Piyushan Gunawardhana，邮箱：[e-mail]，ORCID：0000-0002-2158-4434