High-Intensity Interval Training in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

IntroductionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. Women with PCOS have a 15-fold higher prevalence of infertility, compared with women without PCOS, independent of body mass index (BMI). A healthy lifestyle is recommended to improve overall health and fertility in PCOS but there is limited evidence on the isolated effects of exercise, especially for reproductive outcomes. Previous findings indicate superior metabolic health benefits after vigorous compared with moderate-intensity exercise. Our primary aim is to determine the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIT) on menstrual frequency, as a proxy of reproductive function, in women with PCOS.Methods and analysisThe study is a two-centre, randomised, controlled trial with three parallel groups. Women (n=64) from Trondheim (Norway) and Melbourne (Australia) with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria will be randomly allocated (1:1:1) to high-volume HIT, low-volume HIT or a control group with no exercise after stratifying for BMI < or ≥ 27 kg/m2and study centre. Measurements for study end points will be undertaken at baseline, after a 16 week exercise intervention and at 12 months following baseline assessments. The primary outcome measure is menstruation frequency, measured as the number of self-reported menstrual bleedings divided by the number of expected menstrual bleedings during a 12-month period. Secondary outcome measurements include markers of cardiovascular, metabolic and reproductive health, as well as quality of life and adherence to and enjoyment of exercise.Ethics and disseminationThe Regional Committee Medical Research Ethics, Norway, and The Australian Catholic University Human Research Ethics Committee, Australia, have approved the trial protocol. This trial will provide new insight regarding the impact of exercise on fertility in PCOS. We expect this trial to contribute to new therapeutic exercise strategies as part of clinical care for women with PCOS.Trial registration numberClinical trial govNCT02419482.

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Improving Reproductive Function in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome With High-Intensity Interval Training (IMPROV-IT): A Two-Centre, Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial

SSRN Electronic Journal ◽

10.2139/ssrn.3750673 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ida Almenning Kiel ◽

Sofie Lionett ◽

Helen Jones ◽

Evelyn Parr ◽

Maria Aurora Røset ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

Interval Training ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Ovary Syndrome ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

High Intensity Interval

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Effect of high-intensity interval training on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0245023 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. e0245023

Author(s):

Isis Kelly dos Santos ◽

Fernando Antônio Santana de Souza Nunes ◽

Victor Sabino Queiros ◽

Ricardo Ney Cobucci ◽

Pedro Bruch Dantas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Insulin Resistance ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Interval Training ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Ovary Syndrome ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

High Intensity Interval

Background Our aim was to assess the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic parameters and body composition in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods and analysis A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted using Embase, MEDLINE (via Ovid), PubMed, Sport Discus, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar (advanced feature) up to September 2020. Two authors independently screened citations and determined the risk of bias and quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects model. Results Seven trials (n = 423) were included in the systematic review. The studies included HIIT interventions vs. moderate exercise or control groups. Most studies were small (average 32, range 24–110 participants) and of relatively short duration (10–16 weeks). The training intensity was performed between 90% and 95% of the maximum heart rate, three times a week, for at least 10 weeks. Insulin resistance, measured using homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and body mass index (BMI) showed a significant decrease (MD −0.57; 95% CI, −0.98 to −0.16, p = 0.01), (MD −1.90, 95% CI −3.37, −0.42, p = 0.01) with moderate and high certainty of evidence, respectively. Conclusion Results support that HIIT alone is effective for reducing HOMA-IR and BMI in women with PCOS. However, evidence is limited to discern the effect of HIIT on other outcomes. Future studies with a longer duration (> 16 weeks), larger sample sizes and other outcomes are needed.

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