THE EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN A YOUNG ADULT POPULATION
Johnbull T. O.*, Ekeh F. J. and Paul C. W.
ABSTRACT
Background: The menstrual cycle is crucial for reproductive health, reflecting hormonal balance, fertility, and overall well-being. Abnormalities can indicate underlying health issues, affecting fertility and general health. Understanding the cycle is vital for family planning, fertility management, and identifying reproductive disorders. Methods: This study investigates the effect of exercise on the menstrual cycle of 128 female students of the department of Human Anatomy, Niger Delta University, selected using stratified random sampling. A self-structured questionnaire was used, and data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22 software. Results: The participants' socio-demographic characteristics show that most are young adults (69.5% aged 15-19), single (95.3%), and in their 400 level of study (65.6%). The chi-square test reveals a significant association between age and exercise frequency (χ²=37.118, df=16, P=0.002), but no significant associations with sleep pattern, pre-existing medical conditions and exercise frequency on the menstrual cycle of participants. Conclusion: While some participants reported changes in menstrual regularity with physical activity, the study finds that moderate exercise has no effect on the menstrual cycle of the women in the study population
Keywords: Menstrual cycle, Exercise, Anatomy students, Niger Delta, University.
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