Cited by 267Ovarian function and disordersDiabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and LipoproteinsPhysical Activity and Health

Exercise therapy in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review

Harrison, C. L., Lombard, C. B., Moran, L. J., Teede, H. J.·2011·Human Reproduction Update

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder, affecting 8-12% of women. Lifestyle modification, including increased physical activity, is the first-line approach in managing PCOS. A systematic review was performed to identify and describe the effect of exercise as an independent intervention on clinical outcomes in PCOS. METHODS: Five databases were searched with no time limit. A pre-specified definition of PCOS was not used. Studies were included if exercise therapy (aerobic and/or resistance) could be evaluated as an independent treatment against a comparison group. Outcomes measured included cardiovascular risk factors [insulin resistance (IR), lipid profiles, blood pressure and weight] and reproductive measures (ovulation, menstrual regularity and fertility outcomes). Quality analysis was performed based on the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews and the Quality of Reporting of Meta-Analyses checklist. RESULTS: Eight manuscripts were identified (five randomized controlled trials and three cohort studies). All studies involved moderate intensity physical activity and most were of either 12 or 24 weeks duration with frequency and duration of exercise sessions ranging between studies. The most consistent improvements included improved ovulation, reduced IR (9-30%) and weight loss (4.5-10%). Improvements were not dependant on the type of exercise, frequency or length of exercise sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise-specific interventions in PCOS are limited. Studies vary considerably in design, intensity and outcome measures; therefore conclusive results remain elusive. Larger, optimally designed studies are needed to both gain insights into the mechanisms of exercise action and to evaluate the public health impact of exercise of PCOS.

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  1. Whelton SP, Chin A, Xin X, He J. Effect of aerobic exercise on blood pressure. Ann Intern Med 2002;136:493 -503.

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Authors
Harrison, C. L., Lombard, C. B., Moran, L. J., & Teede, H. J.
Affiliations
Monash Medical Centre (AU)
Corresponding author
Teede, H. J.
Venue
Human Reproduction Update
Published
2010-09-10
Volume
17
Issue
2
Pages
171-183
ISSN
  • 1355-4786 (ISSN-L)
  • 1460-2369
OpenAlex
W2135699517
Cited by
267
References
80
Citations by year
2026: 22 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 22 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 23 · 2018: 17 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 21 · 2014: 14 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 10
FWCI
1.04
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Human Reproduction Update (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Adelaide Research & Scholarship (AR&S) (University of Adelaide) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Medical Research Council
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Ovarian function and disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
Keywords
polycystic ovary syndrome, exercise therapy, aerobic exercise, resistance training, insulin resistance, ovulation, menstrual cycle regularity, fertility, weight loss, cardiovascular risk factors, lipid profile, blood pressure
MeSH terms
Adult, Blood Pressure, Body Weight, Exercise Therapy, Female, Fertility, Humans, Insulin Resistance, Lipids, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Cohort Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Treatment Outcome

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