The effects of menstrual cycle phases on postural balance, vestibulo-ocular reflex, and dual-task virtual reality performance in healthy young women
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY, cilt.282, sa.10, ss.200-259, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 282 Sayı: 10
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00405-025-09759-1
- Dergi Adı: EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, EMBASE, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.200-259
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated the effects of hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle on oculomotor function,
vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), postural balance, and dual-task virtual reality (VR) performance in healthy young women.
The primary objective was to compare these parameters between the early menstrual and post-menstrual phases.
Methods Twenty eumenorrheic females aged 18–25 were assessed during two phases: early menstrual (days 1–3) and post-
menstrual (day 7+). Assessments included videonystagmography (VNG) for oculomotor evaluations (saccades, smooth pur-
suit, optokinetic responses), video head impulse testing (vHIT) for VOR gains in all semicircular canals, static and dynamic
balance tests and a dual-task VR activity involving visual tracking and full-body movement. subjective symptoms were
assessed using the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) and a cybersickness scale. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were
used for comparisons. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparisons.
Results Oculomotor parameters and VOR gains showed no significant differences between phases. However, postural bal-
ance improved significantly post-menstrually in Single Leg Foam (p = .003), Walk on Foam (p = .034), and TUG (p < .001).
Dual-task VR performance scores were also significantly higher in the post-menstrual phase.
Conclusion While oculomotor and VOR responses remained stable, the early menstrual phase was associated with reduced
postural performance and lower dual-task VR scores. Hormonal fluctuations during this period may transiently impair pos-
tural control and motor performance. Considering the timing of assessments in relation to the menstrual cycle may contribute
to more accurate clinical interpretation and better-informed planning of rehabilitation when needed.