This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a related Letter to the Editor Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Copyright Permission Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Vigorito, C. Articles by Orio, F. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Vigorito, C. Articles by Orio, F. Related Collections Cardiovascular Endocrinology Female Endocrinology

Beneficial Effects of a Three-Month Structured Exercise Training Program on Cardiopulmonary Functional Capacity in Young Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Departments of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit (C.V., F.G., R.L., A.D.L) and Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology (T.C., G.L., A.C., F.O.), University "Federico II" of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (S.P.), University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit (F.M.), University "Federico II" of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; and Teaching and Methods of Sportive Activity (D.T.) and Endocrinology (F.O.), Faculty of Exercise Sciences, University "Parthenope" of Naples, 80133 Naples, Italy

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Francesco Orio, M.D., Ph.D., Endocrinology, Faculty of Exercise Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope," and Department of Molecular, Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, University of Naples "Federico II," Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. E-mail: francescoorio{at}virgilio.it.

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease closely related to several risk factors for cardiovascular disease. An impaired cardiopulmonary functional capacity was previously demonstrated in PCOS women. No data regarding the effects of a structured exercise training (ET) program on cardiopulmonary functional capacity in PCOS women are available.

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the effects of a 3-month ET program on cardiopulmonary functional capacity in young PCOS women.

Design and Setting: A prospective baseline-randomized clinical study was conducted at the University "Federico II" of Naples, School of Medicine (Italy).

Patients: Ninety young overweight PCOS women were enrolled.

Mean Outcome Measures: Ninety young PCOS women were randomly subdivided into two groups, each composed of 45 subjects. The PCOS-T (trained) group underwent a 3-month structured ET program, whereas the PCOS-UnT (untrained) group did not. Hormonal and metabolic profiles and cardiopulmonary and exercise parameters were evaluated.

Results: After 3-month ET, PCOS-T showed a significant improvement in peak oxygen consumption (+35.4%; P < 0.001) and in maximal workload (+37.2%; P < 0.001). In PCOS-T we also observed a significant reduction in body mass index (–4.5%; P < 0.001) and in C-reactive protein (–10%; P < 0.001), and a significant (P < 0.001) improvement in insulin sensitivity indexes. After 3 months, no changes were observed in PCOS-UnT.

Conclusions: A 3-month structured ET program improves cardiopulmonary functional capacity in young PCOS women.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. Palomba, A. Falbo, F. Zullo, and F. Orio Jr. Evidence-Based and Potential Benefits of Metformin in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review Endocr. Rev., February 1, 2009; 30(1): 1 - 50. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. L. Thomson, J. D. Buckley, M. Noakes, P. M. Clifton, R. J. Norman, and G. D. Brinkworth The Effect of a Hypocaloric Diet with and without Exercise Training on Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Risk Profile, and Reproductive Function in Overweight and Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., September 1, 2008; 93(9): 3373 - 3380. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. Palomba, F. Giallauria, A. Falbo, T. Russo, R. Oppedisano, A. Tolino, A. Colao, C. Vigorito, F. Zullo, and F. Orio Structured exercise training programme versus hypocaloric hyperproteic diet in obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients with anovulatory infertility: a 24-week pilot study Hum. Reprod., March 1, 2008; 23(3): 642 - 650. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]