Comparative cardiometabolic effects of high, moderate, and low intensity exercise in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 13% of reproductive-aged women and is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk due to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obesity. While exercise is recommended for lifestyle management, specific guidance is lacking. This study compares high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and low-intensity training (LIT) to evaluate their metabolic effects in women with PCOS and support tailored lifestyle recommendations. METHODS: A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials compared HIIT, MICT, LIT, and no exercise in women with PCOS, following PRISMA guidelines. Primary outcomes were body mass index (BMI), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Secondary outcomes included fasting insulin levels, lipid profile, glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and blood pressure. Random-effects models estimated mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values were used to identify the most effective interventions. The review protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251030439). RESULTS: Twenty-three randomized controlled trials (1,192 participants) were included. In the network meta-analysis, moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) significantly reduced HOMA-IR (mean difference [MD], − 0.25; 95%…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,192 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Increased expression of circulating miRNA-93 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome may represent a novel, non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis
- Identification of key genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancer using an integrated bioinformatics analysis
- Identification of key pathways and genes in polycystic ovary syndrome via integrated bioinformatics analysis and prediction of small therapeutic molecules
- Regulation of Androgen Receptor Expression Alters AMPK Phosphorylation in the Endometrium: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Effect of oral administration of low-dose follicle stimulating hormone on hyperandrogenized mice as a model of polycystic ovary syndrome
- Systems pharmacology to investigate the interaction of berberine and other drugs in treating polycystic ovary syndrome
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.