The Modulatory Effect of Female Sex Hormones on Spinal Neuroplasticity

FEMALES

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18-39 years

• Eumenorrheic (regular monthly cycles of 24-35 days)

• Moderately active (less than 7 hours of vigorous physical activity per week)

• History of pregnancy is allowed if patient is in post-lactation phase

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of musculoskeletal or orthopedic injury of the spine, hip, knee, ankle orfoot

• History of neurological injury of the peripheral or central nervous system

• Current smoker

• History of disordered eating

• History of stress fracture in the lower limb

• History of a connective tissue disorder (Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos disease)

• Pacemaker, metal implants in the head and spine region

• Pregnancy

• On a hormonal contraceptive regimen (oral, transdermal or vaginal)

• History of menstrual dysfunction (primary or secondary amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea,anovulatory cycles, polycystic ovarian disease)

• Started or stopped taking oral contraceptives within the previous 6 months

• Exercise vigorously more than 7 hours per week or currently participating incompetitive level sports.

MALES

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18-39

• Moderately active (less than 7 hours of vigorous physical activity per week)

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of musculoskeletal or orthopedic injury of the spine, hip, knee, ankle orfoot

• History of neurological injury of the peripheral or central nervous system

• Current smoker

• History of disordered eating

• History of stress fracture in the lower limb

• History of a connective tissue disorder (Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos disease)

• Pacemaker, metal implants in the head and spine region