Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.2478/10004-1254-61-2010-2055

Performance of Fine Motor and Spatial Tasks During the Menstrual Cycle

Nataša Šimić orcid.org/0000-0002-4215-3668 ; Department of Psychology, University of Zadar, Zadar, Croatia
Andrea Tokić ; Department of Psychology, University of Zadar, Zadar, Croatia
Marina Peričić ; Department of Psychology, University of Zadar, Zadar, Croatia

Abstract

Various studies have shown fl uctuations in task performance during the menstrual cycle. The aim of this study was to see the effects of the menstrual cycle on performing fi ne motor and spatial tasks of different level of complexity in twenty students aged 18 to 21 years, with regular menstrual cycle (28 to 30 days).
The students performed O’Connor Finger Dexterity Test and mental rotation test during the menstrual, late follicular, and midluteal phase. Before the tests were performed, we administered Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for each phase. After the tasks were completed, the subjects ranked their
diffi culty on Borg’s scale.
The results showed the best performance in both tests in the midluteal phase (with sex hormones at their peak). The anxiety level and task diffi culty ranking were the highest in the menstrual phase, when the hormone levels were the lowest.

Keywords

anxiety state; oestrogen; fine motor skills; progesterone; spatial abilities

Hrčak ID:

62464

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/62464

Publication date:

21.12.2010.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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