MON-042 The Effect of Exercise Training on Reproductive and Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Exercise may improve cardiometabolic, reproductive and psychological outcomes in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend exercise to treat PCOS, but the most effective exercise prescription is unclear. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of six months of thrice weekly high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous aerobic exercise training (CAET) programs compared with no exercise in previously-inactive women aged 18–40 years with PCOS. The primary outcome was change in ovulation rate. Ovulation was assessed with daily at home ovulation prediction kits, and confirmed with serum progesterone levels. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare groups. Secondary outcomes included change in BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, A1C, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and lipids and were analyzed using repeated measures mixed models. 47 women were randomly assigned to no exercise control (n=17), HIIT (n=16), or CAET (n=14). 22/33 (66.7%) women ovulated during the intervention period: no exercise: 8/12 (66.7%), HIIT: 8/11 (72.7%), and CAET: 6/10 (60%); NS between groups. BMI decreased significantly in the CAET group compared with control (-1 kg/m2, p=0.01) and compared with HIIT (-0.9 kg/m2, p=0.04). Mean waist circumference decreased significantly in all groups with no significant difference between groups. There were no significant within- or between- group changes for body weight. No within- or between group differences were identified for mean blood pressure, A1C, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, or triglycerides. Mean LDL-C was significantly different between the HIIT and CAET groups (-0.33 mmol/L, p=0.03), as LDL-C decreased in the HIIT group but not in the CAET group. HDL-C increased in the HIIT group compared with the no exercise group (0.18 mmol/L, p=0.04), with no significant difference between the CAET and no exercise groups (p=0.47). In conclusion, CAET and HIIT interventions in women with PCOS did not affect ovulation rates. CAET and HIIT both were effective at improving anthropometrics and some cardiometabolic health markers in women with PCOS. Further studies are needed to determine optimal exercise prescriptions for reproductive, anthropometric and cardiometabolic outcomes in women with PCOS.