Effect of aerobic exercise (self-help strategy) on the common endocrine problem (PCOS) in late adolescent & young women & impact on their quality of life

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to find out the effect of aerobic exercise in PCOS of late adolescent & young women. It is a prospective study conducted at Saveetha Medical College Obstetrics& Gynaecology Department. After obtaining approval from IRB, after obtaining informed consent, fifty women with polycystic ovary syndrome between the 16 years and 35 years were recruited. After clinical diagnosis of PCOS made, BMI, abdominal circumference, WHR were checked and USG was done. The number of ovarian follicles in the periphery, the diameter of follicles, ovarian volume was noted and USG was repeated after 16 weeks. TFT, fasting Insulin & blood sugar, serum testosterone, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, were done. Baseline levels and after 16 weeks of aerobic exercise training, again levels were measured. Aerobic exercise was performed under supervision at physiotherapy clinic of the Saveetha Physiotherapy Department. Five sessions per week each session lasting for 45 minutes. The exercise was prescribed on an individual basis with the objective to achieve specified exercise energy expenditure (ExEE). Our inclusion criteria were women with PCOS between the 16 to 35 years, BMI> or = 24.9 & <29.9 (overweight), USG criteria for PCOS. Our exclusion criteria were women with the Thyroid disorder, Diabetes, Athletes, taking Oral contraceptives / any other hormonal drugs within last one month. This study showed statistically significant improvement in WHR (P<0.0001), reduction in the number of follicle and ovarian volume (P<0.0001), restoration of ovulation (P<0.002) overall decrease in insulin resistance (P<0.008), reduction in lipid profile (P<0.0001) and Quality of life (P= 0.0035). This study concludes that the aerobic exercise improves the waist-hip ratio (WHR), metabolic and reproductive function in women with PCOS and thereby has a good impact on a quality of life.