title: Changes in saccadic latencies over the human menstrual cycle.
abstract: The study assessed differences in sensorimotor processing as reflected in measurements of saccadic latencies at 3 different stages in the menstrual cycle (menstruation, early luteal, and premenstruation) in naturally cycling women (n = 13), and at the same time intervals in women taking an oral contraceptive (n = 6), and male controls (n = 8). Subjects (M age = 22.0 yr., SD = 2.2 yr.) were recruited by questionnaire from the student population of the University of Cambridge. Latencies were measured using a portable infrared scleral oculometer. Changes in latency across the menstrual cycle occurred only in the naturally cycling women (F(2.11) = 5.95, p < .05). Premenstrual latencies were greater (199.3 +/- 12.7 msec., M +/- SD) compared to those during menstruation (191.9 +/- 11.1 msec.) or midcycle (196.9 +/- 12.7 msec.). These findings could account for the loss of musculoskeletal coordination reported by some women prior to menstruation and suggests that administration of an oral contraceptive may alleviate this effect.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, University of Cambridge, UK. eb219@cam.ac.uk
authors.forename: Emma J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Brooker
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: Emily K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Walton
authors.forename: Ayanthi H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Wickramasinghe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001259:Ataxia; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D012438:Saccades / Q000187:drug effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal