RESUMO
The menstrual cycle can be seen as a potential determinant of performance. This study aims to analyze the influence of the menstrual cycle in women on sports performance, more specifically on the internal and external load of professional women basketball players. The sample consisted of 16 women players and 14 training sessions were recorded. A descriptive analysis of the mean and standard deviation of the variables according to the different phases of the menstrual cycle was performed, as well as an ANCOVA, partial Eta2 effect size criteria, and Bonferroni's Post Hoc test to identify differences among phases. The results establish that ovulation is the phase in which higher values of external load are recorded and, therefore, the late follicular phase is the time of the cycle where a greater intensity in explosive distance, accelerations and decelerations are recorded. Considering women's hormonal cycles, understanding their function and the individual characteristics of each athlete is essential since it allows for the development of specific training, the prevention of injuries and therefore positively affects the performance of women players. To this end, individual training profiles should be created in specific contexts, not following general rules. In addition, psychological factors and the specific position of the athletes should be monitored.
RESUMO
The implications of relative age grouping in sport are known as the Relative Age Effect (RAE). This study has the twofold purpose of analyzing RAE in Spanish youth national soccer teams and examining the prediction value of being selected for national youth teams to be a professional. The sample was composed of 548 players divided into five groups. A descriptive analysis of distribution and participation, frequencies, mean and standard deviation, crosstabs, Sankey charts, coefficient correlation and Cohen's effect size criteria and two regression analyses were performed. Results established that the RAE is present in U'17 to U'21 Spanish youth national teams. Talent detection and selection programs are more reliable the closer they are to adulthood, reaching a success rate of almost 100% at the U'21 stage. The selection of players for such programs should be delayed as much as possible, thus, preventing younger players from dropping out and those selected from thinking they have already reached their goal. To this end, they should focus on long-term improvement, not short-term performance. In addition, factors such as the RAE or the maturity level of the athletes should be monitored.
