Does The Menstrual Cycle Phase Influence Physical Fitness Performance In Athletes And Non-athlete Female University Students With Mild Menstrual-Related Symptoms? Shin-Ichiro Moriyama, Daniel A. Marinho, Henrique P. Neiva, Ana R. Alves, Ricardo Ferraz, et al. Open Sports Sciences Journal, 2026 Introduction Previous studies have explored the influence of the menstrual cycle on various aspects of exercise performance. However, associations between menstrual cycle phases and fitness performance in women remain inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the effects of the menstrual cycle and premenstrual symptoms on physical fitness test outcomes among female university students with and without regular exercise habits. Methods Eighteen female athletes and 13 female non-athlete university students volunteered for this study. Only those who completed all test sessions were included in the final analysis, resulting in the analysis of data from eight athletes (height: 1.66 ± 0.04 m; weight: 57.1 ± 2.9 kg) and eight non-athletes (height: 1.62 ± 0.05 m; weight: 58.0 ± 6.7 kg). Basal body temperature was used to categorize the menstrual cycle into three phases: menstrual, follicular, and luteal. A validated questionnaire assessed physical and mental symptoms related to menstruation. Fitness tests included handgrip strength, number of sit-ups, sit-and-reach, number of side-steps, 1000-m run, 50-m sprint, and standing long jump. Results In both groups, physical symptoms differed significantly between the menstrual phase and other phases. Mental symptoms showed no significant changes in athletes, whereas three mental symptoms varied significantly in non-athletes. No significant interaction was observed between the group and menstrual cycle phase in any physical fitness measure. Athletes outperformed non-athletes in all tests, except for handgrip strength, regardless of the menstrual cycle phase. Discussion These findings suggest that among women with mild premenstrual symptoms, the menstrual cycle may have a limited impact on physical fitness, regardless of training status. These outcomes might be relevant for physical fitness professionals and researchers, improving the understanding of the effects of menstrual cycle phases on physical fitness and psychological symptoms in women. Conclusion The menstrual cycle appears to have a minimal impact on physical fitness test performance among female university students with mild menstrual symptoms, regardless of training status.
Swimming speed comparison between two distinct arm pulls during the butterfly swim stroke Jorge E Morais, Daniel A Marinho, Henrique P Neiva, Shin-Ichiro Moriyama, Tiago M Barbosa International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 2025 The aim of this study was to compare the butterfly swimming speed during the insweep phase of two distinct arm pull patterns. Ten national-level swimmers (5 males with 17.5 ± 0.8-years and 5 females with 16.8 ± 0.9-years) were analyzed while performing butterfly all-out trials based on two distinct arm-pull patterns (“bent” and “straight”). The “bent” arm-pull refers to the stroke kinematics they use to swim. The “straight” arm-pull refers to a more extended elbow than they used to swim. Based on discrete variables, swimming speed was faster in the “straight” than the “bent” arm-pull, but not significantly ( p = 0.546). Non-significant differences were also noted for the remaining discrete variables. Conversely, Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM, continuous analysis) identified significant differences in swimming speed between ∼42% and ∼60% (insweep phase and the beginning of the upsweep phase; p = 0.001), and ∼83% and ∼87% (halfway through the release and recovery, respectively; p = 0.043) of the stroke cycle. SPM was more sensitive in identifying differences in swimming speed between arm pulls. Swimmers were faster while performing the “straight” arm pull than with the “bent” arm pull, predominately based on a faster swimming speed during the insweep phase.
Comparison of swimming velocity between age-group swimmers through discrete variables and continuous variables by Statistical Parametric Mapping Jorge E. Morais, Tiago M. Barbosa, Tiago Lopes, Shin-Ichiro Moriyama, Daniel A. Marinho Sports Biomechanics, 2024 The aim of this study was to compare the swimming velocity in front-crawl between age-group swimmers using discrete variables against Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM). The sample consisted of 30 young male swimmers divided into three groups (each with 10 swimmers) based on their age (group #1: 13.60 ± 0.84 years; group #2: 15.40 ± 0.32 years; group 3: 16.39 ± 0.69 years). Swimmers performed three maximal trials in front-crawl. The best performance was used for analysis. Comparison of swimming velocity between groups was analysed using discrete variables and as a continuous variable (SPM). As a discrete variable, the mean swimming velocity showed a significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, when analysed by SPM, swimming velocity showed a significant difference (p = 0.021) between the ~ 44% and ~ 51% of the stroke cycle (transition of the propulsion phases between sides). Post-hoc comparison revealed a significant difference between group #1 and group #3 only in SPM analysis. Researchers, coaches, and practitioners should know that both measurement approaches can be used simultaneously. However, SPM offers more sensitive and accurate results about the swimmers' stroke cycle.
Does a jammer-type racing swimsuit improve sprint performance during maximal front-crawl swimming? Shin-Ichiro Moriyama, Hirotoshi Mankyu, Takaaki Tsunokawa, Tsubasa Kurono, Hayato Mizukoshi, et al. Sports Biomechanics, 2024 We investigated the effects of jammer-type racing swimsuits (RS) on swimming performance during arm-stroke-only (pull) and whole-body stroke (swim) in 25-m front-crawl with maximal effort. Twelve well-trained male collegiate swimmers wore RS and a conventional swimsuit (CS) and performed three tests: pull, swim, and pull using the system to measure active drag (MAD pull). Swimming velocity and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) were determined in all tests. Stroke indices during pull and swim and drag-swimming velocity relationship and maximum propulsive power during MAD pull were also determined. Swimming velocities during pull and swim while wearing an RS (1.59 ± 0.13 and 1.77 ± 0.09 m·s-1, respectively) were significantly higher than those wearing a CS (1.57 ± 0.14 and 1.74 ± 0.08 m·s-1, respectively). Stroke length during pull and swim was significantly greater while wearing an RS (1.68 ± 0.12 and 1.83 ± 0.13 m, respectively) than wearing a CS (1.63 ± 0.10 and 1.81 ± 0.13 m, respectively). However, no significant differences were confirmed between the other variables in all tests. In conclusion, swimming performance is improved when wearing an RS compared with a CS.
How does 11-week detraining affect 11-12 years old swimmers’ biomechanical determinants and its relationship with 100 m freestyle performance? Jorge E. Morais, Vitor P. Lopes, Tiago M. Barbosa, Shin-Ichiro Moriyama, Daniel A. Marinho Sports Biomechanics, 2022 The aim of this study was to analyse the detraining process that occurs during a season break, and its influence on the performance, anthropometrics, and biomechanics of young swimmers. The sample included 54 young swimmers (22 boys: 12.79 ± 0.71 years; 32 girls: 11.78 ± 0.85 years). Performance for the 100 m freestyle and anthropometric and biomechanical variables were evaluated as main determinants. Performance impaired significantly for boys (2.17%) and girls (1.91%). All anthropometric variables increased between moments of assessment for boys and girls. Overall, the boys enhanced all biomechanical variables during the detraining period, and girls showed mixed results. For both sexes, the stroke index was the variable with the highest increase (boys: Δ = 16.16%; d = 0.89; p = 0.001; girls: Δ = 19.51%; d = 1.06; p = 0.002). Hierarchical linear modelling showed that the height retained the amount of impairment in the performance. One unit of increase in the height (cm) led to less 0.41 s impairment in the performance. Present data indicated that during an 11-weeks detraining period, young swimmers impaired their performance, but the determinant factors showed an impaired relationship. This increase in the determinant factors is mainly related to the increase in the swimmers’ anthropometrics. Moreover, the increase in height was responsible for retaining the performance impairment.
Effect of Additional Buoyancy Swimsuits on Performance of Competitive Swimmers Shin-Ichiro Moriyama, Yasunori Watanabe, Tsubasa Kurono, Jorge E. Morais, Daniel A. Marinho, et al. Open Sports Sciences Journal, 2021 Background: When in water, the Centers of Buoyancy (CoB) and Mass (CoM) of the human body are positioned cranially and caudally, respectively. With increasing distance between these centers, the sinking torque of the lower limbs increases, with a subsequent decrease in swimming performance due to increased drag. Objective: To clarify the effect of additional buoyancy swimsuits on swimming performance. Methods: The subjects were eight competitive male swimmers of mean ±SD age 21±2 years. Swimming performance was compared between Conventional (CS) and Additional Buoyancy Swimsuits (ABS). CoM and CoB were identified on land and in water, respectively, with the swimmers maintaining a horizontal posture. CoM was measured by the reaction board method. CoB was calculated as the force exerted in the vertical direction accompanied by changes in inspiratory volume. Swimming velocity and Blood Lactate (BL) concentration value during 200 m front crawl in trials at four different speeds (curve test) were recorded as swimming performance. Results: No significant difference in inspiratory volume was observed between CS and ABS (small effect size, d=0.28). The distance between CoM and CoB was significantly shorter for CS than ABS (p < 0.001; large effect size, d=1.08). Both swimming velocity at BL of 4 mmol·L-1 and maximal effort were significantly faster for ABS (p < 0.042; 0.008), with large effect size (d=0.91; 0.98). However, there was no significant difference in maximal BL between CS and ABS (small effect size, d=0.37). Conclusion: ABS improves swimming performance by streamlining the horizontal posture.
The effect of the start and finish in the 50 m and 100 m freestyle performance in elite male swimmers Daniel A Marinho, Tiago M Barbosa, Henrique P Neiva, Shin-Ichiro Moriyama, António J Silva, et al. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 2021 The aim of this study was to: (1) verify differences between swimmers of the same competitive level in variables related to the start and finish (50 m and 100 m freestyle); (2) verify if starting and finish variables are responsible for faster race time, and which starting variables are responsible for the start performance in such events. For the 50 m and 100 m freestyle race at the junior European Championships 2019, 86 and 88 male swimmers were analysed, respectively. A set of starting and finishing variables were used for analysis. Both races (50 m: p < 0.001; 100 m: p < 0.001) presented a significant level effect for the final race time. The same trend was observed for the start and finish performances. For both races, hierarchical linear modelling retained the 15 m mark time and finish speed as predictors. The 50 m start retained the reaction time and underwater speed, and the 100 m start retained the reaction time and the water break distance. This indicates the underwater phase of the start is of substantial importance to improve the 15 m mark time. Coaches and swimmers are advised to enhance the start underwater phase, and finish segments to improve the swimmers’ performance.
Intra-abdominal pressure during swimming S. Moriyama, F. Ogita, Z. Huang, K. Kurobe, A. Nagira, et al. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2014 The present study aimed to determine the intra-abdominal pressure during front crawl swimming at different velocities in competitive swimmers and to clarify the relationships between stroke indices and changes in intra-abdominal pressure. The subjects were 7 highly trained competitive collegiate male swimmers. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured during front crawl swimming at 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 m · s−1 and during the Valsalva maneuver. Intra-abdominal pressure was taken as the difference between minimum and maximum values, and the mean of 6 stable front crawl stroke cycles was used. Stroke rate and stroke length were also measured as stroke indices. There were significant differences in stroke rate among all velocities (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in stroke length by velocity. Significant within-subject correlations between intra-abdominal pressure and stroke rate or stroke length (P<0.01) were observed, although there were no significant correlations between intra-abdominal pressure and stroke indices when controlling for swimming velocity. These findings do not appear to support the effectiveness of trunk training performed by competitive swimmers aimed at increasing intra-abdominal pressure.
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Does the menstrual cycle phase influence physical fitness performance in athlete and non-athlete female university students with mild menstrual-related symptoms? SI Moriyama, DA Marinho, HP Neiva, AR Alves, R Ferraz, K Matsuo The Open Sports Sciences Journal 18 (1), 1-13 , 2025 2025
Swimming speed comparison between two distinct arm pulls during the butterfly swim stroke JE Morais, DA Marinho, HP Neiva, SI Moriyama, TM Barbosa International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching 20 (5), 2197-2203 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Proceedings of the CIDESD International Congress 2025 DA Marinho, J Viana, P Mota Motricidade 21 (S2) , 2025 2025
Analysis of upper limb thrust in assisted front-crawl swimming using statistical parametric mapping SI Moriyama, Y Watanabe, Y Toyoda, J Morais, H Neiva, D Marinho Motricidade 21, 1-2 , 2025 2025
Challenges in the Introduction of the Ecological Approach in School Physical Education and Sports Coaching in Japan: Insights from Information Exchange among Stakeholders … M Ohira, T Ogai, J Kuroiwa, SI Moriyama, H Miki Motricidade 21, 1-3 , 2025 2025
Comparison of swimming velocity between age-group swimmers through discrete variables and continuous variables by Statistical Parametric Mapping JE Morais, TM Barbosa, T Lopes, SI Moriyama, DA Marinho Sports Biomechanics 23 (12), 3394-3405 , 2024 2024 Citations: 7
Does a jammer-type racing swimsuit improve sprint performance during maximal front-crawl swimming? SI Moriyama, H Mankyu, T Tsunokawa, T Kurono, H Mizukoshi, F Ogita Sports Biomechanics 23 (5), 611-623 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Effects of implementating a hybrid teaching model in a basketball didactic unit R Ferraz, J Oliveira, AR Alves, P Forte, JE Teixeira, SI Moriyama, ... Editura Universitatii din Pitesti , 2024 2024 Citations: 10
EFFECT OF RESISTED SLED SPRINT TRAINING ON SPRINTING ABILITIES OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS T Hamamichi, K Naoi, S Shigeta, SI Moriyama ISBS Proceedings Archive 42 (1), 358 , 2024 2024
Assisted towing does not affect arm stroke coordination in front-crawl swimming SI Moriyama, Y Watanabe, Y Toyoda, T Hamamichi, JE Morais, HP Neiva, ... International Society of Biomechanics in Sports , 2024 2024
Effect of resisted sled sprint with different loads on running velocity, step frequency, and step length in trained collegiate track and field athletes T Hamamichi, K Naoi, S Shigeta, J Morais, DA Marinho, SI Moriyama Motricidade 19 (4), 435-442 , 2023 2023
The effect of the start and finish in the 50 m and 100 m freestyle performance in elite male swimmers DA Marinho, TM Barbosa, HP Neiva, SI Moriyama, AJ Silva, JE Morais International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport 21 (6), 1041-1054 , 2021 2021 Citations: 18
How does 11-week detraining affect 11-12 years old swimmers’ biomechanical determinants and its relationship with 100 m freestyle performance? JE Morais, VP Lopes, TM Barbosa, SI Moriyama, DA Marinho Sports biomechanics 21 (9), 1107-1121 , 2022 2022 Citations: 15
Intra-abdominal pressure during swimming S Moriyama, F Ogita, Z Huang, K Kurobe, A Nagira, T Tanaka, ... International journal of sports medicine 35 (02), 159-163 , 2014 2014 Citations: 13
Effects of implementating a hybrid teaching model in a basketball didactic unit R Ferraz, J Oliveira, AR Alves, P Forte, JE Teixeira, SI Moriyama, ... Editura Universitatii din Pitesti , 2024 2024 Citations: 10
Comparison of swimming velocity between age-group swimmers through discrete variables and continuous variables by Statistical Parametric Mapping JE Morais, TM Barbosa, T Lopes, SI Moriyama, DA Marinho Sports Biomechanics 23 (12), 3394-3405 , 2024 2024 Citations: 7
Does a jammer-type racing swimsuit improve sprint performance during maximal front-crawl swimming? SI Moriyama, H Mankyu, T Tsunokawa, T Kurono, H Mizukoshi, F Ogita Sports Biomechanics 23 (5), 611-623 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
The impact of assisted swimming on front crawl performance SI Moriyama, Y Watanabe, K Masuda, Y Toyoda, JE Morais, P Forte, ... IMR PRESS , 2022 2022 Citations: 4
Efficacy of flotation aids attached to the pelvis and thighs of beginning swimmers Y Watanabe, SI Moriyama, K Wakayoshi International journal of aquatic research and education 13 (2), 7 , 2021 2021 Citations: 3
Swimming speed comparison between two distinct arm pulls during the butterfly swim stroke JE Morais, DA Marinho, HP Neiva, SI Moriyama, TM Barbosa International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching 20 (5), 2197-2203 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2