Effect of aerobic exercise on inflammatory markers in polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

A.M. Elbandrawy, A.M. Yousef, E.N. Morgan, N.F. Ewais, M.M. Eid, S.M. Elkholi, W.K. Abdelbasset

Department of Physical Therapy for Women’s Health, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. walidkamal.wr@gmail.com

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• Gynecology
• Physical Therapy

OBJECTIVE: Chronic low-grade inflammation has emerged as a key contributor to the pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In this regard, the present study examined the potential effects of aerobic exercise on interleukin-6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in PCOS women.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial that included 40 females aged 25-35 years diagnosed with PCOS. The participants were divided into two groups equal in number: the aerobic exercise group (AEM), and the metformin group (M). The AEM group performed aerobic exercise three times a week for 12 weeks in addition to metformin treatment. The M group received metformin only. Participants were assessed for IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention.

RESULTS: The findings showed a significant reduction in IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP values in both AEM and M groups (p=0.001, p=0.01, respectively) after the end of the 12 weeks of the intervention. However, the participants who received aerobic exercise plus metformin, group AEM, showed a greater reduction in IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP (p=0.01, p = 0.01 and p=0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise is effective in lowering IL‐6, TNF‐α, and CRP in polycystic ovarian women. Further clinical trials are recommended to assess the potential effects of aerobic exercise on PCOS-associated risk factors.

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