Gait and menstrual cycle: Ovulating women use sexier gaits and walk slowly ahead of men

Previous research has demonstrated that women's physical appearance or sexual interest is different across the menstrual cycle. However, the nonverbal behavior of women toward men according to their menstrual cycle has not been previously explored. In this study, the gait of women walking ahead a male confederate was recorded with the help of a spy-camera. The amount of time that women spent walking was the first dependent variable whereas the extent to which the women were perceived to be sexually attractive by two judges was the second dependent variable. Comparisons were performed according to the women's ovulation phase measured with an LH salivary test. Near ovulation, it was found that women walked slower and their gait was subjectively rated as sexier. Such behaviors were interpreted as unconscious desires of women near ovulation to reinforce their attractiveness in order to attract more men and to increase their choice of a partner.

► Gait and women' walking were examined according to their menstrual cycle. ► The amount of time that women spent walking ahead a male was measured. ► The sexiness of their gaits recorded with the help of a spy-camera was evaluated by males. ► Ovulation phase was measured with an LH salivary test. ► Near ovulation, women walked slower and their gait was subjectively rated as sexier.