Distinct Protocols of Physical Exercise May Improve Different Aspects of Well-being in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

The purpose of this study to assess the effects of different protocols of physical exercise on the domains of the quality of life (QoL), sexual function, anxiety, and depression scores in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Data of 112 women with PCOS were extracted from 2 trials with different protocols of physical exercise: continuous aerobic training (ContinuousAT, n = 23), intermittent aerobic training (IntermittentAT, n = 22), and progressive resistance training (ResistanceT, n = 43) alongside a control group (CG, n = 24). Volunteers who completed self-report questionnaires-Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) for QoL-preprotocol and postprotocol of physical exercise were included. Within groups, from baseline to week 16, all ContinuousAT, IntermittentAT, and ResistanceT protocols promoted improvements in multiple FSFI domains and HADS scores. However, ResistanceT did not improve the QoL aspects. Between groups, from other physical training protocols, the IntermittentAT was most effective for QoL and FSFI domains as well as HADS scores. It is concluded that all interventions were effective and improved indicators of sexual function, anxiety, and depression. When comparing protocols, interval training with high-intensity stimuli and active recovery was more effective.

Keywords: anxiety; depression; physical exercise; polycystic ovary syndrome; quality of life; sexual function.

Figure 1.

FSFI measurements at baseline and week 16 between groups: Data are presented as means, estimated difference (EDs), and CIs.^a Abbreviations: CG, control group; CAT, continuous aerobic physical training group; IAT, intermittent aerobic physical training group; PRT, progressive resistance training; FSFI, female sexual function index. ^a *P > .05; **P > .01; ***P > .0001.

Figure 2.

HADS measurements at baseline and week 16 between groups. Data are presented as means, estimated difference (EDs) and CIs.^a Abbreviations: CG, control group; CAT, continuous aerobic physical training group; IAT, intermittent aerobic physical training group; PRT, progressive resistance training; HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. ^a *P > .05; **P > .01.