The effectiveness of mind-affecting exercises on symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome: A Review Article

Background and Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women which despite widespread symptoms. It has a negative impact on quality of life and mental health of affected population. Due to the necessity of paying attention to physiological and psychological needs of women, this review study aimed to investigate the effect of mind-affecting exercises on symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.Materials and Methods: 24 related articles from 2011 to 2019 were reviewed with the keywords of Pilates and yoga in combination with polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, anxiety, stress, quality of life and infertility in PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Magiran and SID.Results: 5 review articles and 19 interventional-clinical trials study were reviewed. All papers had considered the effect of mind-affecting exercises on psychological and clinical symptoms related in polycystic ovary syndrome, that according to, pilates were reduced weight, BMI, percent body fat, waist and abdominal circumference, cholesterol, LDL and increased mindfulness, mind function, body image, psychological well-being, quality of life and positive sense and had a positive effect on menstrual disorders, infertility, respiratory system function and cardiovascular adjustment and had no effect on hirsutism, insulin resistance and glucose level. In addition, yoga was associated with beneficial changes in ovarian morphology and anthropometric indexes and through positive effect on stress, anxiety, depression and mental health improved fertility and hormonal profiles and increased the ART success rate. It also helped to cope with insulin resistance by controlling stress and strengthening muscles and decreased testosterone, LH and cortisol levels. Moreover, Tai chi improved sleep quality.Conclusion: Due to the effectiveness of mind-affecting exercises on symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, its extensive use in midwifery consults along with common treatments is recommended to promote the health of reproductive age women.

The effectiveness of mind-affecting exercises on symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome: A Review Article Keywords:

Yoga , Pilates , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome