Determining the effects of exercise training in woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterised by menstrual dysfunction hyperandrogenism, infertility, obesity and insulin resistance. While hyperandrogenism increases cardiovasculary disease, intravascular thrombus and insulin resistance, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia increase the risk of DM, HT and atherosclerosis. Therapy of PCOS includes regulation of hormones and medication for infertility besides exercise and decreasing the stressors. Exercise training decreases insulin resistance and abdominal fat, increases muscle capillarity and repair the function and level of glucose transport. Aim: We planned this study to evaluate the effects of exercise training on quality of life, physical fitness and menstrual cycle in the PCOS women. Study included 1 Î PCOS patients between June 2002 and March 2003 whom were admitted to DEU Medical School Gynecology and Obstetrics Department and referred to Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation School Fitness Unite. Material and Method: Exercise training includes submaximal aerobic and strengthening components and performed 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Before and after the exercise program physical fitness tests were performed, menstrual cycles and quality of life questionnaire was evaluated. Results were compared with Wilcoxon-Rank Test. Result: After the 8 weeks exercise training program average weight remained same, scapular, iliac and posterior thigh skinfold measures decreased (p<0.05), Truncal-AWominal/Thigh skinfold which shows the rate of upper body fat to lower body fat decreased (p>0.05).Waist / hip rate didnt changed(p>0.05). MaxVQz value and walking distance were increased when evaluated with 6 minutes walking test (p>0.05). Flexibility and muscle strength values and total quality of life score related with PCOS were increased significantly and menstrual cycle scale was decreased showing cure (p<0.05). 12Confusion: We concluded that regular, controlled and submaximal level exercise program can increase quality of life, physical fitness and have positive effects on menstrual cycle in women with PCOS.key Words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Exercise, Physical Fitness, Quality of Life, Menstrual Cycle.