High Intensity Interval Training or Strength Training in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Status: Completed

Conditions: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Treatments: Behavioral: interval training; Behavioral: strength training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01919281

2013/886

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim is to investigate whether strength training or high intensity interval training is effective in improving insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular outcomes, body composition and reproductive outcomes in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Few studies have examined the effect of strength training alone on insulin sensitivity, reproductive outcomes and body composition in women with PCOS. Most previous studies on aerobic exercise in PCOS have applied moderate exercise intensity.

Enrollment: 31 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Women
• Age 18-45 years old
• PCOS

Exclusion criteria

• Regular high intensity endurance or strength training (two or more times per week of vigorous exercise).
• Concurrent treatments (insulin sensitizers or drugs known to affect gonadotropin or ovulation, with a wash out period of 1 months prior to inclusion).
• On-going pregnancy.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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31 participants in 3 patient groups

strength training

Experimental group

Description:

The subjects will attend for supervised training three sessions per week for 10 weeks (9-12). The strength training program involves dynamic contraction at intensities of 60 - 70 % of 1 repetition maximum (RM) to improve strength and muscle hypertrophy. Each session will contain 8 exercises on the major muscle groups. Each drill consists of 10-12 repetitions (reps) x 3 sets separated by one minute rest between sets.

Treatment:

Behavioral: strength training

interval training

Experimental group

Description:

High intensity interval training (HIT) three times per week. The three weekly supervised HIT sessions will include two 4x4 min interval sessions and one 10x1 min session. The HIT consist of "uphill" treadmill running/walking.

Treatment:

Behavioral: interval training

control

No Intervention group

Description:

Based on the Norwegian recommendation we will encourage the control group to perform 60 minutes of physical activity at moderate to high intensity on a daily basis.