This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle on the performance of female athletes. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases using the keywords: (“Menstrual cycle”) AND (“performance” OR “female athlete” OR “sport” AND NOT “male”); AND NOT (“contraceptive”). Inclusion criteria focused on original studies published between 2013 and 2023, in English or Spanish, involving eumenorrheic female athletes without menstrual disorders or oral contraceptive use. The studies were critically assessed using the McMaster scientific review method. Results: Thirteen eligible articles were reviewed, comprising a total sample of 152 athletes. Significant findings include increased flexibility during the ovulatory phase and enhanced aerobic and anaerobic capacities in the luteal phase. Additionally, the menstrual and premenstrual phases notably influenced aerobic and anaerobic capacities, performance perception, symptomatology, and exercise-induced muscle damage. Conclusion: Hormonal fluctuations can impact female athletes’ performance. However, further research is warranted due to inconsistent results stemming from variations in cycle phases studied, lack of standardized methodologies, small sample sizes, and short observation periods.

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a crucial protein in the development of the cognitive system. It regulates the growth of neurons and glial cells, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection. Background/Objectives: It has been suggested that high-intensity exercise could modulate the mechanisms of BDNF release, with potentially significant implications in the professional sports world. However, this is not yet fully proven, and the underlying physiological alterations are unknown. Methods: This paper reviews the current scientific literature to clarify the uncertainties about how high-intensity physical exercise influences BDNF release and its relationship with high-performance sports. Results: Strenuous exercise appears to increase BDNF synthesis through the action of lactate and the PGC-1α/FNDC5 pathway. Additionally, cognitive function has been described as an element to consider for maximizing sports performance. Conclusions: In this regard, this review provides a solid starting point for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms that promote BDNF expression mediated by exercise, as well as for seeking a direct correlation between the role of cognitive development and athletic performance in high-performance athletes.

Objectives: Examine the prevalence of risk behaviors for the development of eating disorders in academy footballers of the Liga MX, compare sociodemographic data and highlight the participants’ perceptions regarding the influence of the sports environment and external pressure on their relationship with food and their bodies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 536 footballers (331 men and 205 women) in the categories U14, U16, U18 men and U15, U19 women of Liga MX with prior consent from their clubs and strict confidentiality measures. The data were collected via Google Forms using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Results: Of the participants, 13.4% met or exceeded the cut-off point on the EAT-26. The highest prevalence was observed in the Female U19 category. The reflections indicated that the sports environment and external pressure affect the relationship with food and bodies in a significant proportion of participants. Conclusions: The study highlights a high prevalence of risk behaviors for eating disorders in Liga MX football players, with a higher incidence in the female categories, also evidencing a multifactorial etiology.

Monitoring load management in female basketball is essential for optimizing performance and minimizing injury risks. This narrative review consolidates current practices and advancements in monitoring both internal and external loads among female basketball players. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify research focusing on load management in female basketball. Methods utilized for monitoring internal loads include heart rate tracking, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and biochemical markers, while external loads are assessed through GPS tracking, accelerometers, local positioning systems (LPS), and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. Recent technological advancements, particularly the use of LPS and UWB systems, have significantly enhanced the precision and reliability of load monitoring, providing real-time, accurate data on player movement and performance. These systems complement traditional methods, offering valuable insights into the physical demands and well-being of athletes. Integrating both internal and external load monitoring is vital for developing tailored training programs that optimize player performance and reduce injury risks. Future research should focus on standardizing protocols and exploring novel technologies to further enhance load management strategies in elite women’s basketball.

En esta revisión sistemática se han analizado estudios de los últimos 10 años con el objetivo de valorar las lesiones más comunes en extremidades inferiores y los factores de riesgo asociados en la práctica del baloncesto según factores biomecánicos. Estas lesiones afectan especialmente en pretemporada y postemporada tanto a hombres como mujeres, aunque en ellas la incidencia es mayor. Esto puede deberse a un valgo mayor en comparación con los hombres, que supone menor estabilidad. En cuanto a las lesiones más frecuentes, destacan las de tobillo, donde el salto es el mecanismo que más afecta, y la rodilla, en la que influye la flexión y la rotación interna de la rodilla, además de la estabilidad al aterrizar. En la rodilla la lesión más frecuente es la del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA), con incidencia superior en mujeres. Se suele dar al hacer una parada, cambio de dirección o aterrizaje. Asimismo, una ligera flexión de rodilla con rotación interna de la tibia y abducción de la rodilla desestabiliza la articulación y aumenta el riesgo de lesión en el LCA. Otros factores serían la rotación extrema del pie hacia el exterior y una elevación lateral de cadera.