Time to Load Up–Resistance Training Can Improve the Health of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Guidelines for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) focus on lifestyle changes, incorporating exercise. Whilst evidence suggests that aerobic exercise may be beneficial, less is known about the effectiveness of resistance training (RT), which may be more feasible for those that have low fitness levels and/or are unable to tolerate/participate in aerobic exercise. Objectives: To identify the available evidence on RT in women with PCOS and to summarise findings in the context of a scoping review. Eligibility criteria: Studies utilising pre-post designs to assess the effectiveness of RT in PCOS; all outcomes were included. Sources of evidence: Four databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, CINAHL and SportDiscus) were searched and supplemented by hand searching of relevant papers/reference lists. Charting methods: Extracted data were presented in tables and qualitatively synthesised. Results: Searches returned 42 papers; of those, 12 papers were included, relating to six studies/trials. Statistical changes were reported for multiple pertinent outcomes relating to metabolic (i.e., glycaemia and fat-free mass) and hormonal (i.e., testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin) profiles. Conclusions: There is a striking lack of studies in this field and, despite the reported statistical significance for many outcomes, the documented magnitude of changes are small and the quality of the evidence questionable. This highlights an unmet need for rigorously designed/reported and sufficiently powered trials.

Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation—Identifying Constructs for Increasing Physical Activity Behaviours in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

“…Regarding the latter, a systematic review and meta-analysis by our group [22] showed a statistically beneficial change from baseline for insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, waist circumference, and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO 2 max/peak) in women with PCOS completing exercise interventions, when compared to those in a control group. Similarly, a scoping review revealed potentially beneficial effects of resistance training programmes on a range of pertinent outcomes (e.g., glycaemic control, body composition, and androgens) in women with PCOS [23]. However, the findings of our systematic reviews also highlighted that research regarding exercise/PA interventions in women with PCOS remains limited and that well-designed studies are still needed in this field.…”

Brown adipose tissue in the form of innovative approach for polycystic ovary syndrome treatmentstill long time to reach clinical arena: a narrative review

“…In a study by Kite et al, 98 where they evaluated part of resistance training in women who could not tolerate aerobic exercises in contrast to healthier ones who could perform them .They concluded that statistical alterations were documented to be associated with metabolic(like glycemia along with fat free mass ) as well as hormonal (like T, in addition to sex hormone binding globulin(SHBG),profiles .As per their conclusions absence of enough studies this arena, they illustrated that the degree of alterations was minimal and although documented statistically significant for numerous results ,the revealed results of alterations along with quality of proof is queried. Thus stressed on how good fashioned / documented as well as adequately powered trials are required.…”