NCT03362918

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Exercise

The Impact of Continuous Aerobic Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training on Reproductive Outcomes in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Calgary · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder characterized by oligo-ovulatory menstrual dysfunction, androgen excess and polycystic ovaries. It affects ten to fifteen percent of reproductive-age women and has been associated with complications in reproductive, metabolic and cardiovascular health. Current Clinical Practice Guidelines suggest exercise and weight loss for PCOS, although their specific roles in improving PCOS-related symptoms are uncertain. Non-pharmacological treatments are appealing to many reproductive age women. There is preliminary evidence that exercise in PCOS may increase menstrual regularity, ovulation, cardiorespiratory fitness, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and self-esteem, and decrease body fat and insulin resistance. These studies have been limited by short durations and lack of randomization or appropriate control groups. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves brief intervals of near-maximal exercise alternating with lower-intensity exercise, is becoming increasingly popular in the exercise community. In some non-PCOS trials, HIIT resulted in improved cardiovascular fitness and greater fat loss compared with continuous aerobic exercise. No other trials are currently on-going that are comparing HIIT with continuous aerobic exercise training in women with PCOS (as confirmed by searches of the literature and the clinical trials registry maintained by the US NIH).

Conditions

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	High Intensity Interval Training	The exercise prescription is as follows: Type: High-Intensity Interval Training on a treadmill, elliptical trainer or cycle ergometer. Intensity: 30 seconds of high-intensity alternating with 90 seconds of low intensity for a total of 10 cycles * High intensity for most individuals will occur at approximately 90% of maximum heart rate. Using the rating of perceived exertion scale, participants should be exercising at a 9/10, which is very difficult to maintain the intensity and results in only being able to speak a few words at a time. * Low intensity is defined as light activity and rated as 2-3/10 on the rating of perceived exertion scale. Participants should be able to carry on a conversation and maintain the pace for hours. Duration: 30 minutes Frequency: 3 times per week
BEHAVIORAL	Continuous Aerobic Exercise Training	The exercise prescription for the continuous aerobic exercise group is as follows: Type: Aerobic exercise including walking, running, cycling or using the elliptical trainer. Intensity: Moderate intensity, defined as 50-60% of the participant's maximum heart rate. On the rating of perceived exertion scale, this corresponds with a 4-6/10, which allows participants to hold a conversation while breathing heavily. Duration: 50 minutes Frequency: 3 times per week

Timeline

• Start date: 2018-01-01
• Primary completion: 2019-10-01
• Completion: 2020-04-17
• First posted: 2017-12-05
• Last updated: 2020-07-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada