At the European College of Sports Science Annual Congress held in Glasgow in July, a graduating Human Biology student presented their Honours project. The project, titled “Physical Activity During Menstruation: Analysing Historical Perspectives,” built on preliminary exploratory work by Dr Katherine Price, the Human Biology programme lead. The study examined scientific literature and historical documents from the 19th to mid-20th century, utilizing resources from the university library, the National Library of Scotland, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. It shed light on longstanding societal attitudes that have shaped women’s participation in physical activity during menstruation, providing helpful insights for future public health policies.

Reflecting on the experience, the student said, “I was surprised by how big the audience was for my talk; people seemed really interested.” Dr Price, who supervised the project, also noted the value of the project in developing the student’s skills. This aligns with the University’s values of ambition and excellence for all, by fostering career development and showcasing the impactful work conducted at the University.


First published: 26 August 2024