Self-determined strategies for physical activity motivation among women with polycystic ovary syndrome

According to clinical practice guidelines for polycystic ovary syndrome, first-line treatment includes performing 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on most days of the week plus at least 2 days of resistance training. However, <40% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome engage in regular physical activity, and about 60% are sedentary. Research evidence supports theory-informed physical activity interventions to improve motivation for physical activity. This study examined the fit of a behavioral change theory for women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The purposes of this qualitative study were to analyze physical activity barriers through the lens of self-determination theory and identify motivational strategies that may promote initiation and maintenance of physical activity among women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The study involved a qualitative, descriptive design using theory-driven thematic analysis.

After emailing a demographic questionnaire and Personal Health Questionnaire-8 to screen for depressive symptoms, participants (n = 7) met three times via Zoom during the summer of 2021. Meetings were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed.

Participants were aged 33.9 (±8.1) years, premenopausal, mostly White (71%), educated (100% with at least some college), employed full-time (86%), and married (86%) with a mean depressive symptoms score of 6.4 (±3.4) indicating mild depression. Strategies such as a buddy system, physician support, technology, and behavioral change techniques are necessary to meet the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness among women with polycystic ovary syndrome to help increase exercise motivation.

Findings supported the use of self-determination theory by emphasizing that the social context of polycystic ovary syndrome can undermine physical activity behavior. Thus, physical activity interventions should consider the social context, peer support system, and mental health status of women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and include tailored programs and motivational strategies to help meet the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness.