The effect of exercise on insulin resistance in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction The link of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with insulin resistance was subsequently established by clinical studies characterizing the profound insulin resistance in obese and lean PCOS patients. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the effect of aerobic exercise using an ergonomic treadmill on insulin resistance, body weight, and waist circumference in obese diabetic and nondiabetic women with polycystic ovary. Patients and methods Sixty obese women with PCOS, their age ranging from 30 to 40 years, participated in this study. All study participants were recruited from the Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of Kasr Al Aini Hospital. They were assigned into two equal groups: Group A (study group) included 30 obese diabetic women. Group B (control group) included 30 nondiabetic obese women.All patients received a controlled diet program and an aerobic exercise program (each exercise training session included continuous aerobic exercises on a treadmill for 30 min performed three times per week for 24 weeks under the supervision of physicians of the Faculty of Physical Therapy) and were on metformin drug (850 mg every 12 h).Fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and waist circumference were measured at the beginning of the study and after the study for both groups. Results Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in insulin resistance and waist circumference in both groups after the aerobic exercise training program. Conclusion Regular aerobic exercises improve insulin resistance, abdominal fat distribution, and body weight in obese diabetic and nondiabetic women with polycystic ovary, and they are advised to perform regular aerobic exercises