The effects of an oral contraceptive on the submaximal work performance of college women

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Louise Elaine Mozingo (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Alexander McNeill

Abstract: It was the purpose of this study to investigate the effects of an oral contraceptive on the submaximal work performance of college women. It was hypothesized that an oral contraceptive would have no significant effect on performance at submaximal work loads of 300 and 600 Kpm for any phase of the menstrual cycle. Eleven female subjects from the sophomore class (1974) at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro were volunteers for this experiment. Open circuit respirometry was utilized to investigate the extent to which the aerobic function of women was influenced by an oral contraceptive. The subjects performed submaximal work at intensities of 300 and 600 Kpm on a Monarche bicycle ergometer. Oxygen consumption was determined using a Beckman OM-11 breath by breath oxygen analyzer. Pretest measurements were recorded for each subject on the 4th, 10th, and 26th day of her menstrual cycle one month prior to taking an oral contraceptive. A post-test was given to each subject on the 4th, 10th, and 26th day of the menstrual cycle while taking birth control pills. Results indicated that increases in the metabolic work of the exercise took place for all phases of the menstrual cycle but reached a significant level for the 4th and 26th day of the cycle.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1976

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