Physical therapy protocol for obese adolescent girls with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a within-subject design

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of a suggested physical therapy protocol on the anthropometric parameters and hormonal profile of obese adolescent girls with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Material and Method: Twenty obese adolescent girls with PCOS participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 14 to 18 years and their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 30 to 35 kg/m2. They received a specific diet therapy connected with a program of aerobic exercise for 6 months. Anthropometric parameters and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured before starting the study, after 3 months and after 6 months of the suggested physical therapy protocol. Results: There was a statistically highly significant reduction in the anthropometric parameters and LH/FSH ratio in the post 6 months of treatment compared with the pre-treatment and post 3 months of treatment (p<0.01). Also, there was a statistically highly significant reduction in the anthropometric parameters (p<0.01), while there was a statistically significant reduction in the LH/FSH ratio in the post 3 months of treatment compared with the pre-treatment (p<0.05). Discussion: The suggested physical therapy protocol for obese adolescent girls with PCOS is optimal for improving their anthropometric parameters and hormonal profile.