Comparison of aerobic exercise capacity and muscle strength in overweight women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To assess maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) and muscle strength in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and determine their relationship with metabolic and hormonal factors.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Clinical Research Unit.


METHODS
Overweight and obese women with PCOS (n = 10) and age-and weight-matched healthy controls (n = 16).


METHODS
VO2max was measured during an incremental treadmill test and maximal isometric (ImS) and isokinetic knee extensor strength (IkS) (120 degrees/second) were assessed by isokinetic dynamometry.


METHODS
VO2max, ImS, IkS, waist circumference, blood lipids, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment [HOMA2]), C-reactive protein (CRP), hormonal profile.


RESULTS
PCOS women had higher levels of testosterone and free testosterone (P < or = 0.05), but there were no significant differences in any cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers between the groups. VO2max was similar in women with PCOS and healthy controls (PCOS 26.0 +/- 4.1 ml/kg/minute, controls 25.7 +/- 3.8 ml/kg/minute; P = 0.90), as was ImS (PCOS 1.50 +/- 0.54 Nm/kg, controls 1.50 +/- 0.47 Nm/kg; P = 0.96) and IkS (PCOS 1.04 +/- 0.32 Nm/kg, controls 1.16 +/- 0.23 Nm/kg; P = 0.32). VO2max was inversely related to waist circumference, insulin, HOMA2 and CRP. Waist circumference was inversely associated with ImS and IkS. No significant associations between exercise parameters and hormonal variables were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared to age- and weight-matched healthy overweight and obese women with similar insulin resistance and CVD risk profiles, women with PCOS had similar aerobic capacity and muscle strength. This suggests PCOS, at least in the absence of an adverse metabolic profile is unlikely to limit physical function. Larger studies examining the effects of PCOS on exercise tolerance in a diverse range of PCOS phenotypes is required.
Australian Technology Network Centre for Metabolic Fitness, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
R L
RL
Thomson
J D
JD
Buckley
L J
LJ
Moran
M
M
Noakes
P M
PM
Clifton
R J
RJ
Norman
G D
GD
Brinkworth
D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055105:Waist Circumference
D002097:C-Reactive Protein