Abstract:
Variations in sports performance caused by menstruation have piqued curiosity and
sparked debate in recent years. This study sought to consider the relationship between
menstruation and subjective sports performance among senior high school female
athletes in the Ajumako district. A cross-sectional survey design and questionnaire
was used to gather data for this study. A total of 200 student female athletes were
sampled using the census technique. Data was analyzed through descriptive, Pearson
r, and multiple linear regression. Findings from the study revealed that the majority of
the respondents have low knowledge levels regarding menstruation (N=80, 44.2%)
with satisfactory practice in terms of hygiene and sports. There exists a positive
relationship
between athletes‘ knowledge and practice regarding menstruation
(r=.268) and only 17% of the variability in female athlete‘s sports performance can be
attributed to the Physical and Psychological effects of menstruation R2 = .17, F
(2,178) =1.56, p=.013. However, the Physical and Psychological effects of
menstruation were significant in predicting sports performance (β = -.044; p = .021)
and (β = -.107; p = 0.036) respectively. It was concluded that menstruation has a
significant effect on sports performance. It was therefore recommended that
stakeholders such as physical education teachers, sports coaches, sports professionals,
chaperones among others should receive training on how to tailor training regimens
and
competition schedules to accommodate the physical and psychological
fluctuations that can occur during menstruation.
Description:
Thesis submitted to the Department of Health, Physical Education,
Recreation and Sports. Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and
Home Economics Education, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of
Master of Philosophy
Degree in Physical Education
(Sports Science)
in the University of Education, Winneba
