Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Exercise
Condition: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
MeSH terms: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Syndrome
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder characterized by
      oligo-ovulatory menstrual dysfunction, androgen excess and polycystic ovaries. It affects ten
      to fifteen percent of reproductive-age women and has been associated with complications in
      reproductive, metabolic and cardiovascular health. Current Clinical Practice Guidelines
      suggest exercise and weight loss for PCOS, although their specific roles in improving
      PCOS-related symptoms are uncertain.

      Non-pharmacological treatments are appealing to many reproductive age women. There is
      preliminary evidence that exercise in PCOS may increase menstrual regularity, ovulation,
      cardiorespiratory fitness, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and self-esteem, and
      decrease body fat and insulin resistance. These studies have been limited by short durations
      and lack of randomization or appropriate control groups.

      High-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves brief intervals of near-maximal
      exercise alternating with lower-intensity exercise, is becoming increasingly popular in the
      exercise community. In some non-PCOS trials, HIIT resulted in improved cardiovascular fitness
      and greater fat loss compared with continuous aerobic exercise. No other trials are currently
      on-going that are comparing HIIT with continuous aerobic exercise training in women with PCOS
      (as confirmed by searches of the literature and the clinical trials registry maintained by
      the US NIH).
    


Intervention name(s): High Intensity Interval Training; Continuous Aerobic Exercise Training
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): The exercise prescription is as follows:
Type: High-Intensity Interval Training on a treadmill, elliptical trainer or cycle ergometer.
Intensity: 30 seconds of high-intensity alternating with 90 seconds of low intensity for a total of 10 cycles
High intensity for most individuals will occur at approximately 90% of maximum heart rate. Using the rating of perceived exertion scale, participants should be exercising at a 9/10, which is very difficult to maintain the intensity and results in only being able to speak a few words at a time.
Low intensity is defined as light activity and rated as 2-3/10 on the rating of perceived exertion scale. Participants should be able to carry on a conversation and maintain the pace for hours.
Duration: 30 minutes Frequency: 3 times per week; The exercise prescription for the continuous aerobic exercise group is as follows:
Type: Aerobic exercise including walking, running, cycling or using the elliptical trainer.
Intensity: Moderate intensity, defined as 50-60% of the participant's maximum heart rate. On the rating of perceived exertion scale, this corresponds with a 4-6/10, which allows participants to hold a conversation while breathing heavily.
Duration: 50 minutes Frequency: 3 times per week
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment