Impact of Physical Activity on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Year: 2025
Type: review
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of different types of exercise on important outcomes related to reproductive function as well as factors related to metabolic parameters in females with poly cystic ovary syndrome (POCS). Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria. Included randomized trials' risk of bias was evaluated using the updated Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2). With discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer, two independent reviewers examined research papers, gathered data, and assessed methodological quality. Results: Our systematic search identified 35 studies involving 7526 patients. The analysis revealed that exercise interventions significantly increased menstruation frequency/year (SMD: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.15–0.87). No significant effects were observed on FSH (SMD: −0.02, 95% CI: −0.19, 0.14), LH (SMD: −0.44, 95%CI: −1.06, 0.18), and testosterone (SMD: 0.13, 95% CI: −0.09, 0.35). For metabolic outcomes, exercise reduced BMI (SMD: −0.11 kg/m², 95% CI: −0.23, −0.01) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SMD: −0.43 kg/m², 95% CI: −0.73, −0.13). Conclusion: The meta-analysis found that exercise therapies improved menstruation frequency and metabolic outcomes, particularly insulin resistance and waist circumference, in women with PCOS. However, exercise did not significantly differ from dietary interventions in terms of lowering BMI or enhancing insulin sensitivity. The study suggests the need for consistent, structured interventions to achieve significant clinical improvements, while supporting current guidelines primarily for metabolic benefits.
Source: Journal of Carcinogenesis
Authors: Ghadah Mohammad Almutairi, Waleed Mohammed Alshehri, Tahani Mohammed Manea, Raghad Saad Alamri, Ghadah Saleh Alghufaili, Taif Faleh Eid Almehmadi, Rawan Mufid Alali, Khalid Ahmed Albedaiwi, Rada Saleh altuwayjiri, Amjad Mohammed Alsinani, Abdulmajeed Abdi Alrasheedi, Abdulrahman Saud Almalki, Sahar Abdulrahman H Alghamdi, Tameem Abdulaziz Alhomaid
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,500
OpenAlex ID: W4415188992
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