Effect of Aerobic Training Program on Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Young Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age characterized by the presence of polycystic ovaries, menstrual dysfunction and biochemical or clinical hyperandrogenism. Lifestyle modification is important in treatment of obese and overweight women with PCOS. This study was performed to evaluate the benefit of aerobic exercise training on obesity and insulin resistance in young women with PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty obese PCOS patients aged ۱۵-۳۰ underwent a ۱۲-week aerobic training program. Anthropometric parameters (weight, height, maximum oxygen consumption, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio and body fat percentage), metabolic and hormonal profiles (glucose and insulin) were assessed and compared at the baseline and after the ۱۲-week training program. RESULTS: After a ۱۲-week aerobic training program body weight decreased from ۷۶.۹ ± ۱۱.۶۹ to ۷۴.۰۱ ± ۱۱.۸۲ Kg, body fat percentage decreased from ۳۷.۰۱% ± ۴.۱۶ to ۳۵.۵۷% ± ۴.۱۳ and waist circumference decreased from ۸۶.۴ ± ۸.۷۵ to ۸۲.۲۹ ± ۶.۵۹ cm (P < ۰.۰۵). There was also a significant increase in V۰۲max, from ۳۴.۷۷ ± ۱.۸۶ to ۳۵.۸۷ ± ۱.۹۴ (P = ۰.۰۰۶). Changes in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance were not significant. CONCLUSION: Aerobic training program improves anthropometric parameters, and metabolic and hormonal profiles in young women with PCOS.

Keywords:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) , Obesity , Insulin resistance , Aerobic training