The Impact of Exercise on Cardiometabolic Profile in PCOS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the feasibility of assessing the impact of exercise on oxidised LDL and cardiometabolic profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
IRAS ID
244352
Contact name
Amie Woodward
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Hallam University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted hormonal disorder that has been shown to affect women's fertility. It can also share many symptoms with pre-diabetes, and women with PCOS often have an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
Past research has shown that exercise can reduce cardiovascular disease risk, with or without weight loss. However, a key molecule, known as oxidised low-density lipoprotein, shown to contribute to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, has not been studied in this context.
Additionally, recent research has shown that long inactivity periods (e.g.,desk jobs), may have a negative effect on heart health, even if one undertakes regular exercise.
To respond to those questions, we will need a long-term trial with many participants. Before, embarking on such a study, it is important to explore whether it is possible to deliver a supervised exercise intervention as well a inactivity-reduction advisory programme in this population and collect all the necessary data, which will allow us: a) to compare the effect of a structured exercise program with the effects of decreasing periods of inactivity and b) identify the impact that exercise has on molecules contributing to increased cardiovascular disease risk, in women with PCOS.Women with diagnosed PCOS who are not taking any medication for the condition will be eligible to take part in the study. The study will involve being randomly-allocated into either an exercise program, lifestyle physical activity group, or resting control. Exercise sessions will involve coming into the physiology laboratory at Sheffield Hallam University and undertaking exercise several times a week for 12 weeks. The lifestyle physical activity group will attempt to increase their general physical activity unsupervised, and will use a fitness tracking app to record this. Blood samples will be taken and analysed to measure cardiovascular risk.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0454
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion