Effects of resisted physical training on muscle strength gain, body composition and metabolic repercussions in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Analyze muscle strength (MS) gain, body composition (BC) and the metabolic changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after linear periodization of resisted physical training (RPT). Experimental study. 39 volunteers sedentary, who did not smoke or use any hormonal medications, aged 18 to 37 years, with BMI of 18 to 39.9 kg/m2, were divided in PCOS group (n=20) and control (CO) (n=19). After a period of adaptation, all volunteers were submitted to RPT for 16 weeks. Before and after RPT, handgrip isometric strength (HIS) tests were performed with dynamometer and 1RM maximum dynamic strength tests of trunk and lower and upper limbs were performed in the Bench press (BP), Leg extension (LE) and Arm Curl (AC) exercises. We determined serum total testosterone, SHBG, FAI, fasting insulin and glucose and HOMA index, lipid profile, characterization of the menstrual cycle and BC evaluated by DXA. Data were analyzed statistically by mixed effects linear regression. The results are reported as mean±standard deviation. The level of significance was set at P<0.05. After RPT, an increase in MS was observed in both groups, with the PCOS group showing the greater gain: HIS of the dominant limb (5079.61 × 5501.44, P=0.03), BP (31.20±4.75 × 40.00±5.61, P<0.01), LE (27.90±6.23 × 37.50±7.56, P<0.01), AC (19.07±3.40 × 23.35±4.00, P=0.01). Testosterone levels were reduced in the PCOS group (87ng/dl x 67ng/dl, P=0.01). The remaining variables did not change after RPT. Nine PCOS volunteers with amenorrhea presented menstrual bleeding. In the BC, the lean mass/height ratio in the DXA was higher in the PCOS group (PCOS 18.67±3.28 x CO 15.36±1.76, P=0.01). Comparing to CO, in short-time RPT, PCOS women gained more MS and lean mass. Although both groups did not present changes in glucide and lipid metabolism, PCOS women presented a decrease in testosterone levels and a return of menstrual cycle.