Resistance training in polycystic ovary syndrome: Intervention study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Resistance training:The key to resisting hypertension in polycystic ovary syndrome? Intervention study.
IRAS ID
362350
Contact name
Rachel Lord
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and an increased lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include increased blood pressure and poorer function of blood vessels (vascular function). The excess cardiovascular risk in PCOS is attributed to the high levels of androgen hormones (e.g., testosterone) that are common in PCOS. Current treatment guidelines advise lifestyle modifications (healthy diet and exercise) to reduce cardiovascular risk. However, existing research is equivocal on whether traditional aerobic exercise reduces cardiovascular risk in individuals with PCOS as effectively as in the general population. Given the role of testosterone in improving muscle mass and function during resistance training, this form of exercise may be particularly effective in individuals with hyperandrogenic PCOS.
This study is a follow-up to a previous study (IRAS 349896), in which we coproduced a resistance training intervention with participants with PCOS. The current application is for a study that tests the effect of the coproduced intervention on vascular function and blood pressure in individuals with PCOS.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0785
Date of REC Opinion
30 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion