PMID 35443556

Research
All papers

Effects of high-intensity interval training and strength training on levels of testosterone and physical activity among women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Rao M, Khan AA, Adnan QUA

Question

Is 12 weeks of HIIT more effective than strength training for testosterone, body fat percentage, and physical activity levels in women with PCOS?

Summary

In women with PCOS in Karachi, 12 weeks of supervised treadmill HIIT and strength training both improved BMI, serum testosterone, body fat percentage, and physical activity scores. HIIT showed greater improvements than strength training for testosterone, body fat, and IPAQ physical activity, with no adverse events reported.

Methodology

  • Women with PCOS, overweight or obesity, and elevated serum testosterone.
  • 40 participants.
  • Treadmill.
  • Work intervals: 4 minutes.
  • Recovery: 3 minutes at 70% HRmax.
  • Intensity: 90-95% HRmax.
  • 45 minutes including warm-up and cool-down.
  • 3 sessions/week.
  • 12 weeks.
  • Randomized clinical trial
  • Serum testosterone, Body fat percentage, Physical activity, and BMI were tracked.

Outcomes

Testosterone

Both groups reduced serum testosterone, with HIIT superior to strength training.

Between-group p=0.049.

Improved

Body fat

Both groups reduced body fat percentage, with a larger reduction after HIIT.

Between-group p=0.001.

Improved

Physical activity

IPAQ scores increased in both groups and more after HIIT.

Between-group p=0.006.

Improved

BMI

BMI improved within both groups, but HIIT was not significantly different from strength training.

Between-group p=0.135.

No clear change

Insights

  • A supervised 4 x 4 treadmill HIIT format may be effective for selected PCOS outcomes.
  • Strength training also helped, so HIIT should not be framed as the only useful mode.
  • Screening and stop criteria matter for clinical users.

Limitations

  • Study did not meet calculated sample size.
  • Single private clinic in Karachi.
  • COVID-19 limited participation.
  • Adherence and achieved heart-rate data were not reported.
  • Analyzed sample size appears inconsistent with the abstract's enrollment statement.

Safety

  • No adverse events were reported.
  • Exercise was stopped for Borg dyspnea >=8, oxygen saturation <90%, or participant request.