title: Is cardiorespiratory fitness impaired in PCOS women? A review of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and heterogeneous endocrine disorder, affecting 8-12% of reproductive-aged women. Insulin resistance and body fat excess are common features in these subjects. Increased physical activity and diet modifications are the first recommended approach in the management of these women, at least in overweight/obese subjects. Evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is important in assessing exercise performance and in monitoring the effects of physical exercise interventions. Several studies have shown that CRF may be impaired in metabolic and endocrine disorders. However, there are little data on this issue in PCOS women. The aim of this narrative review is to critically evaluate whether aerobic capacity is altered in PCOS women, focusing on maximal oxygen uptake.
  
  
  METHODS
  An updated search of the literature was performed, identifying papers with maximal oxygen consumption measurements in women with PCOS compared to healthy controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We have identified six studies on this specific topic: four of them showed an alteration of maximal oxygen consumption in PCOS women, whereas two did not. However, taken together these studies suggest that CRF may be strikingly impaired in both normal-weight and overweight/obese subjects with this condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women with PCOS appear to be characterized by a reduced cardiopulmonary fitness. However, further research on this topic is needed. This information may hopefully help clinicians and exercise specialist in planning individualized exercise programs aimed at improving the metabolic and endocrine outcomes in these women.
authors.affiliation: Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and AOUI of Verona, P.le Stefani, 1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Donà
authors.affiliation: Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and AOUI of Verona, P.le Stefani, 1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bacchi
authors.affiliation: Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and AOUI of Verona, P.le Stefani, 1, 37126, Verona, Italy. paolo.moghetti@univr.it.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moghetti
mesh_terms: D000072599:Cardiorespiratory Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: Aerobic performance; Maximal oxygen uptake; Obesity; Polycystic ovary syndrome