Effects of exercise and nutritional counseling in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

This pilot study assessed the effects of exercise and nutritional counseling on hormonal, menstrual, and reproductive function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Twelve females with a clinical, biochemical, and ultrasonographic diagnosis of PCOS were randomly assigned to endurance and resistance exercise plus nutritional counseling (EN) or nutritional counseling only (N) for a period of 12 weeks. Anthropometry, resting metabolic rate (RMR), selected hormones, and ovarian follicle population were measured pre and post-intervention. Following the 12 week intervention, greater decreases in sum of 2 skinfolds (p = 0.002) and a greater increase in estimated VO2 max (p = 0.017) occurred in the exercise group. Significant decreases in waist girth (p = 0.001) and insulin levels (p = 0.03) occurred in both groups. Hormonal changes were not statistically significant; however, a trend towards an improved hormonal profile, specifically sex-hormone binding globulin (EN, 39% increase; N, 8% increase) and lutenizing hormone : follicle-stimulating hormone (LH:FSH) (EN, 9% decrease; N, 27% decrease) occurred in the absence of weight loss. These findings suggest exercise and nutritional counseling may benefit the metabolic and reproductive abnormalities associated with PCOS.

Ovarian function and obesity—Interrelationship, impact on women's reproductive lifespan and treatment options

“…Chronic exercise training increases RMR and is therefore always recommended as an adjunct to any caloric restriction . A pilot study conducted by Bruner et al (2006) has shown that a combination of exercise and nutritional counselling in women with PCOS, as well as nutritional counselling alone, had favourable effects on waist girth, body fatness and fasting insulin levels, as well as a trend towards an increase in RMR in the exercise and nutrition group after completion of the intervention (Bruner et al, 2006). Recent studies investigating the effects of exercise in women with PCOS also showed that a 3-months structured exercise training programme caused significant improvement in cardiopulmonary functional capacity, decreased BMI, improved insulin sensitivity (Vigorito et al, 2007) and after 6-months even restored ovulation (Palomba et al, 2008).…”

The impact of fat distribution on the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome

“…In such cases, WC was approximated at the lateral level of the 12 th rib or lower floating rib. [23][24][25][26] These are well established and validated methods for assessment of hip circumference and WC and are used in several large scale studies. 27 Bioelectrical impedance was done using the Quantum II Bioelectrical Body Composition Analyzer (RJL Systems, Clinton Township, MI).…”

A Descriptive Study of Service-Learning on Social Justice and Leadership Perceptions in Senior BSN Students

“…Lifestyle modification should include nutrition counseling as well as an exercise program. Nutrition counseling alone has demonstrated a decrease in weight gain and body fat as well as lowering insulin levels (Bruner, Chad, & Chzen, 2006).…”

“…Decreasing body fat, especially within the abdomen may also improve metabolic and hormonal profiles even with only a minimal loss in overall body mass (Bruner et al, 2006). social, and emotional challenges on a daily basis.…”