The effect of the menstrual cycle on the sense of touch, grip strength and manual dexterity of dental students.

This study aimed to evaluate through comparative tests the effect of the menstrual cycle on levels of depression, sleep quality and grip strength, fingertip touch and manual dexterity of students in the Dental Faculty. The study sample was formed from female students of the Dental Faculty. The total 70 participants comprised 31 from the first year and 39 from the final year. Evaluations were made in two different consecutive phases of the menstrual cycle. Data were collected using the Beck depression inventory (BDI), the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), handgrip and lateral grip strength measurements, fingertip two-point discrimination sensory measurement, the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, the O'Connor tweezers skill test and the Purdue pegboard test. A statistically significant difference was determined between the menstrual and ovulation phase measurements of the BDI, PSQI, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test (right), the O'Connor tweezers skill test and Purdue pegboard test (right + left), and the Purdue Pegboard test (total and assembly) (< 0.05). The menstrual cycle does not affect the sense of touch, grip strength and simple hand skills. However, task-focused skills requiring care and the manual dexterity needed for the use of instruments are affected.