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

PMID: 35443556
Journal: Obstetrics & gynecology science
Published: 2022 Jul
Authors: 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.

## Population

- Women with PCOS, overweight or obesity, and elevated serum testosterone.
- Sample size: 40
- Age: HIIT 28.1 +/- 4.92 years; strength training 30.5 +/- 4.80 years
- Sex: Female only
- Fitness level: Clinical rehabilitation sample; baseline training level not clearly reported
- Health status: PCOS by Rotterdam criteria with overweight/obesity

## Methodology

- Randomized clinical trial
- 12 weeks
- Obstetric and gynecological clinic rehabilitation unit in Karachi, Pakistan
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- Treadmill HIIT.
- Modality: Treadmill.
- Work intervals: 4 minutes.
- Recovery: 3 minutes at 70% HRmax.
- Sets or repetitions: 4 intervals.
- Intensity: 90-95% HRmax.
- Session duration: 45 minutes including warm-up and cool-down.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 12 weeks.
- Progression: No HIIT progression reported.
- Strength training.
- Modality: Resistance exercises.
- Recovery: 1 minute between sets.
- Sets or repetitions: Eight exercises, 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions.
- Intensity: 60-70% 1RM.
- Session duration: Approximately 32 minutes plus warm-up/cool-down.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 12 weeks.
- Progression: Weekly 1RM reassessment with weight increases.

## Outcomes

### Testosterone
Status: improved
Both groups reduced serum testosterone, with HIIT superior to strength training.

Between-group p=0.049.

### Body fat
Status: improved
Both groups reduced body fat percentage, with a larger reduction after HIIT.

Between-group p=0.001.

### Physical activity
Status: improved
IPAQ scores increased in both groups and more after HIIT.

Between-group p=0.006.

### BMI
Status: no clear change
BMI improved within both groups, but HIIT was not significantly different from strength training.

Between-group p=0.135.

## Practical 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 And Adherence

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

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35443556/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.22002) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9304438/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.