Petrofsky Jerrold, Lee Haneul
Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University.
Tohoku J Exp Med. 2015 Nov;237(3):219-26. doi: 10.1620/tjem.237.219.
One of the sexual hormones, estrogen, increases elasticity of human connective tissue such as the anterior cruciate ligament during the menstrual cycle in women. In the present investigation, the plantar fascia was investigated to see if there is a difference in elasticity with the menstrual cycle. Fifteen young healthy females in the age range of 18-35 years old with a regular menstrual cycle were tested twice throughout one full menstrual cycle; once during the early follicular phases and once at ovulation. Foot length, while standing on both feet and one foot were used to assess plantar fascia elasticity, ultrasound measured plantar fascia thickness while lying and standing, and posture sway and tremor using a balance platform during 8 different balance tests were assessed to see the impact of elasticity changes. Foot length increased significantly at ovulation compared to menstruation when standing on two feet (p = 0.03) and standing on one foot (p < 0.001). There was also a significant increase in plantar fascia in thinning per kilogram weight applied to the foot at ovulation compared to menstruation (p = 0.014). Associated with this increase in elasticity at ovulation, there was a reduction in balance in the most difficult balance tasks and an increase in tremor during ovulation (p < 0.05). Plantar fascia elasticity change during the menstrual cycle might have effects on posture sway and tremor, which could have a potential risk of falling. Therefore, healthy professionals working with young female adults should recognize these physiological effects.
性激素之一的雌激素，在女性月经周期中会增加人体结缔组织（如前交叉韧带）的弹性。在本研究中，对足底筋膜进行了调查，以观察其弹性在月经周期中是否存在差异。15名年龄在18至35岁之间、月经周期规律的年轻健康女性在一个完整的月经周期内接受了两次测试；一次在卵泡早期，一次在排卵期。通过双脚站立和单脚站立时的足长来评估足底筋膜弹性，通过超声测量躺卧和站立时的足底筋膜厚度，并使用平衡平台在8种不同的平衡测试中评估姿势摇摆和震颤，以观察弹性变化的影响。与月经期间相比，排卵期双脚站立（p = 0.03）和单脚站立（p < 0.001）时足长显著增加。与月经期间相比，排卵期每施加一公斤重量于足部时足底筋膜变薄也有显著增加（p = 0.014）。与排卵期弹性增加相关的是，在最困难的平衡任务中平衡能力下降，排卵期震颤增加（p < 0.05）。月经周期中足底筋膜弹性的变化可能会对姿势摇摆和震颤产生影响，这可能存在跌倒的潜在风险。因此，与年轻成年女性打交道的健康专业人员应该认识到这些生理影响。
