Resistance Exercise and Peer Support with Bands/balls and Digital Support Among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (REPS w/BANDS)

University of South Carolina

Status: Completed

Conditions: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Treatments: Behavioral: REPS w/BANDS

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06629883

Pro00120540

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this one arm pilot was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of REPS w/BANDS and evaluate for signals of improvement for depressive symptoms, anthropometrics, and muscular endurance. Participants completed a 12-week personalized in-home resistance exercise program that was delivered in real-time via a smart home video device along with a buddy system for peer support.

Full description

Research findings reveal that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) report low exercise motivation due to PCOS stigma-related stress and lack of social connection, thus inhibiting exercise in public and group settings. The purpose of this study was to implement and assess the feasibility and acceptability of an in-home personalized resistance exercise (RE) program delivered in real time by a smart home video device (SHVD) with peer support provided by a buddy system. This theory-informed, one-arm proof-of-concept study provided participants (n=10) with an SHVD, exercise equipment (exercise bands, stability ball), and 2 supervised RE sessions per week for 12 weeks via the SHVD's video feature and incorporated strategies from self-determination theory to meet the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Participants were randomly paired with a buddy. Feasibility, acceptability, depressive symptoms, anthropometrics, and muscular endurance were measured using surveys, fitness testing, and interviews. Quantitative data were calculated using t-tests. Qualitative data were analyzed via thematic analysis.

Enrollment: 10 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• an age of 18 or older
• a confirmed PCOS diagnosis by a healthcare provider
• physical activity readiness as determined by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
• residence within driving distance of the main university campus.

Exclusion criteria

• cardiorespiratory disease (e.g., congestive heart failure)
• hypertension
• orthopedic injury (e.g., herniated disc)
• pregnancy.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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10 participants in 1 patient group

REPS w/BANDS

Experimental group

Description:

The intervention was delivered by certified personal trainers who connected with participants in their homes using SHVDs. Supervised training was individually delivered to participants in real time and incorporated low-cost, portable resistance equipment (i.e., resistance bands, stability ball). SDT-guided strategies (e.g., peer support, practice, encouragement, affirmations) were incorporated to help increase exercise motivation. Peer support was addressed by randomly assigning participants with a buddy. Personal trainers demonstrated proper exercise form and had participants practice each exercise. Participants were instructed on how to use an affirmation app on the SHVD and encouraged to use it at least weekly.

Treatment:

Behavioral: REPS w/BANDS