ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of continuous (CA) and intermittent (IA) aerobic training on hormonal and metabolic parameters and body composition of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).DesignProspective, interventional, randomized study.MethodsRandomized controlled training (RCT) with sample allocation and stratification into three groups: CAT (n = 28) and IAT (n = 29) training and no training [control (CG), n = 30]. Before and after 16 weeks of intervention (CAT or IAT) or observation (CG), hormonal and metabolic parameters, body composition and anthropometric indices were evaluated. Aerobic physical training on a treadmill consisted of 30‐ to 50‐minute sessions with intensities ranging from 60% to 90% of the maximum heart rate.ResultsIn the CA group, there was reduction in waist circumference (WC) (P = .045), hip circumference (P = .032), cholesterol (P ≤ .001), low‐density lipoprotein (P = .030) and testosterone (P ≤ .001). In the IAT group, there was a reduction in WC (P = .014), waist‐to‐hip ratio (P = .012), testosterone (P = .019) and the free androgen index (FAI) (P = .037). The CG showed increases in WC (P = .049), total body mass (P = .015), body fat percentage (P = .034), total mass of the arms (P ≤ .001), trunk fat percentage (P = .033), leg fat percentage (P = .021) and total gynoid mass (P = .011).ConclusionCAT and IAT training reduced anthropometric indices and hyperandrogenism in PCOS, whereas only IAT training reduced the FAI. Furthermore, only CAT training improved the lipid profile.

Introduction There is a need for specific measures to address overall care in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Physical resistance training (PRT) has been shown to improve certain body parameters. However, the effect of PRT on the sexual function of PCOS women has not been evaluated. Aim The study aimed to assess sexual function and emotional status of PCOS women after 16 weeks of PRT. Methods This case-control study involved 43 women with PCOS and 51 control ovulatory women, aged 18–37 years. All women were subjected to a supervised PRT protocol for 16 weeks and evaluated at the end of the program. Sexual function was assessed at baseline and after PRT protocol. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measure used was the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results Of the 43 women with PCOS, 30 (69.70%) had a basal total FSFI score ≤ 26.55 and 24 of them (58.54%) had a score ≤ 26.55 after PRT (P = 0.08). Of the 51 control women, 32 (62.7%) and 27 (52.9%) had FSFI scores < 26.55 at baseline and after PRT, respectively (P = 0.06). Control women experienced a significant improvement in pain domain score after PRT (P < 0.03). PCOS women experienced significant increases in total score and in the desire, excitement and lubrication domains after PRT (P < 0.01 each). After PRT, there was a significant difference between the PCOS and control groups in the sexual desire domain (4.09 ± 1.29 vs. 3.75 ± 1.42, P = 0.04). Significantly fewer women in the PCOS group were at risk of depression (P < 0.01) and anxiety (P < 0.02) after than before PRT, whereas the differences in the control group were not significant. Mean depression and anxiety scores were reduced significantly in both the PCOS (P < 0.01 each) and control (P < 0.01) groups. Conclusions PRT significantly enhanced total score and the desire, excitement, and lubrication domains of the FSFI in PCOS women. PRT reduced pain, and total depression and anxiety scores in both groups.

Progressive resistance training had positive effects on the hormonal and physical characteristics of women with PCOS and controls, but telomere content was reduced and homocysteine level increased in all participants.

To our knowledge, this is the first report to show that resistance exercise alone can improve hyperandrogenism, reproductive function, and body composition by decreasing visceral fat and increasing LMM, but it has no metabolic impact on women with PCOS.

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