Effect of Exercise Therapy on Non-Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled...

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting up to 13% of women of reproductive age, with associated reproductive, metabolic, and psychological complications. While lifestyle interventions, particularly exercise therapy, are crucial in managing PCOS in obese individuals, their impact on nonobese patients remains inadequately explored. This study aims to assess the effects of exercise therapy on menstrual regularity, hormonal profiles, and metabolic parameters in nonobese women with PCOS. Methods: This protocol outlines a single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT). Forty-eight nonobese women with PCOS (body mass index ≤25) meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled and randomized into three groups: aerobic exercise with usual care (US), resistance exercise with UC, and UC alone. The interventions spanned 12 weeks, with assessments at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Primary outcomes include menstrual regularity and anthropometric indices, while secondary outcomes encompass hormonal levels, insulin resistance, and ovarian morphology. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Discussion: The study aims to provide robust evidence supporting the efficacy of exercise therapy in nonobese women with PCOS and to determine the most effective exercise modality for this population. The findings emphasize the importance of individualized exercise interventions and provide a foundation for larger scale RCTs to further substantiate these results.