Effects of progressive resistance exercise training on physical, psychosocial state and pelvic floor distress level in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common heterogeneous endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) has proven effects on the musculoskeletal system by increasing muscle strength and density and reducing bone mineral density loss. Its positive effects on insulin resistance also positively reduce the risk of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction. PRT may have similar effects on PCOS and is still under investigation as an exercise prescription. This study aims to investigate the effects of PRT on PCOS further. A total of 40 volunteers participated in the study and were divided into two groups randomly. The study group received 12 week-PRT, and the control group only received routine treatment. Outcome measurements included anthropometrics, functional (e.g., functional movement system (FMS), and posture analysis), psychological (health-related quality of life, PCOSQ), pelvic floor distress level (PFDI), and ultrasound measurements. Independent Samples T-Test and linear regression analysis were performed to compare inter-and intra-group differences. Changesin menstrual cycle status (p:0.059) and ovarian volume (p:0.057) were not significantly different. In the study group, there were statistically significant differences between the first and last test findings in body mass index (p:0.0014), waist circumference (p:0.007), skinfold measurements in triceps (p:0.008), suprailiac (p:0.003), body fat percent (p:0.002), and FMS scoring (p:0.001). The pain reduction in the ovarian (p:0.001) and lumbal (p:0.001) regions based on the visual analog scale scores of the study group was statistically significant. There was a statistically significant difference in the colorectal-anal distress (p:0.007) subgroup of PFDI-20 in the study group. In the study group, the psychosocial and emotional (p:0.002), fertility (p:0.006), obesity and menstrual disorders (p:0.002), coping (p:0.002) PCOSQ domain scores, and the total score (p:0.003) after treatment significantly increased. This study shows that 12-week controlled PRT may provide better treatment-oriented results on clinical outcomes in women with PCOS when used with routine treatments. Key Words: polycystic ovary syndrome, progressive resistance training, insulin resistance