Young Investigator Award: Where Do We Start? A Conceptual Model for Implementing Menstrual Cycle Tracking in Sport

Menstrual cycle tracking is a much-discussed component of the ' female athlete' research theme; however, more translational work is needed to meet practitioners' desire for further guidance on the implementation of tracking in applied settings. The purpose of this paper is to present a preliminary conceptual model to inform practitioners' decision-making around menstrual cycle tracking and assist researchers in identifying and framing future research directions. The proposed model-Conducting and Navigating menstrual cycle Education, Communication and Tracking (ConNECT)-proposes that communication and education strategies may be utilised to affect social, organisational and individual level change, ultimately supporting the implementation of menstrual cycle tracking by increasing its uptake and impact. This model was developed based on the findings from a series of studies conducted by the authors, which considered the existing literature on tracking and the perspectives of athletes and practitioners. Therefore, the ConNECT model offers an ecologically sound starting point for sport scientists, coaches and other members of an athlete's support team to base their practice on.