Open AccessEffects of exercise and group counselling on body composition and VO 2max in overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Author(s) -
Roessler Kirsten K.,
Birkebaek Camilla,
Ravn Pernille,
Andersen Marianne S.,
Glintborg Dorte
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/aogs.12064
Subject(s) - medicine , waist , overweight , polycystic ovary , aerobic exercise , body mass index , physical therapy , anthropometry , obesity , cardiorespiratory fitness , insulin resistance
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ) is often associated with an increased waist circumference and with lower cardio‐respiratory fitness as a consequence of obesity, which may be improved by physical activity. Objective To investigate the effect of high‐intensity aerobic training combined with group counselling sessions on anthropometry and cardio‐respiratory fitness in women with PCOS . Design Seventeen sedentary, overweight women with PCOS were randomized in a cross‐over design to 16 weeks of intervention: eight weeks high‐intensity aerobic exercise was followed by eight weeks of group counselling ( n = 8) or vice versa ( n = 9). Fourteen of the women completed the tests. Main outcome measures Waist circumference, body mass index and maximal aerobic capacity ( VO 2max ) were measured at baseline, cross‐over and post‐intervention. Results There was a decrease in waist circumference (119.9 vs. 106.5 cm) and body mass index (34.9 vs. 34.4 kg/m 2 ) and an increase in VO 2max (2554.9 vs. 2807.9 mL/min) during the intervention period (t = 16 weeks, n = 14), all p < 0.05. Weight loss tended to be highest in the group which started with group counselling (2.9 vs. 0.6 kg, t = 16 weeks, n = 14, p = 0.055). Conclusion Exercise in groups followed by counselling or vice versa had beneficial effects on waist circumference, weight, and VO 2max in women with PCOS . Future studies should examine possible beneficial effects of combined group counselling and exercise on weight loss and adherence to exercise protocols among women with PCOS .