This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a digital rehabilitation-supported combined exercise program in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Participants aged 18-40 years will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a digital rehabilitation group, a face-to-face exercise group, and a physical activity counseling group. The intervention will last 8 weeks, with exercise performed three times per week. Outcomes will include DNA methylation, hormonal and metabolic parameters, anthropometric measurements, body composition, muscle strength, basal metabolic rate, physical activity level, quality of life, menstrual cycle regularity, exercise adherence and satisfaction.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive dysfunctions. Exercise is a key component in the management of PCOS; however, adherence to exercise programs remains a major challenge. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital rehabilitation-supported combined exercise program compared to face-to-face supervised exercise and physical activity counseling. Participants aged 18-40 years will be randomly assigned into three groups: 1. Face-to-face exercise group 2. Digital rehabilitation group 3. Physical activity counseling group The intervention will last for 8 weeks, with exercise sessions conducted three times per week. The face-to-face group will participate in supervised exercise sessions conducted by physiotherapist. The digital rehabilitation group will perform the same exercise protocol as the face-to-face group group online, live (synchronously), under the guidance of physiotherapist. The counseling group will receive physical activity recommendations. Outcome measures will include epigenetic changes (DNA methylation), hormonal and metabolic parameters, anthropometric measurements, body composition, muscle strength, basal metabolic rate, physical activity level, quality of life, menstrual cycle regularity, exercise adherence and satisfaction.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
33
Participants will perform the same combined exercise program (aerobic and resistance exercises) delivered in person by the study team. Sessions are supervised directly in a clinical setting.
Participants will perform a combined exercise program (aerobic and resistance exercises) through a digital rehabilitation platform.
Biruni University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in DNA methylation levels in women with PCOS
Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis will be used to measure methylation in blood samples taken baseline and after 8 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 week
Hormonal Parameter Testosterone
Serum levels of testosterone will be measured at baseline and after 8 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks.
Hormonal Parameter Luteinizing Hormone
Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) will be measured at baseline and after 8 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Hormonal Parameter Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) will be measured at baseline and after 8 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Metabolic Parameter Fasting Blood Glucose
For the evaluation of fasting blood glucose (FPG) will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Metabolic Parameter Insulin Level
For the evaluation of insulin level will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Metabolic Parameter High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
For the evaluation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Metabolic Parameter Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
For the evaluation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Metabolic Parameter Total Cholesterol
For the evaluation of total cholesterol will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Metabolic Parameter Triglycerides
For the evaluation of triglycerides will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Metabolic Parameter C-Reactive Protein
For the evaluation of C-reactive protein (CRP) will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements Waist Circumference
Waist circumference will be measured using standardized tape.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Anthropometric Measurements Hip Circumference
Hip circumference will be measured using standardized tape.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Body Composition Body Mass Index
Participants' BMI will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Body Composition Body Fat Mass
Participants' body fat mass (kg) will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Body Composition Body Fat Percentage
Participants' body fat percentage (%) will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Body Composition Body Muscle Percentage
Participants' body muscle percentage (%) will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Body Composition Body Muscle Mass
Participants' body muscle mass (kg) will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Body Composition Lean Body Mass
Participants' lean body mass (kg) will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).
Time frame: Baseine and after 8 weeks
Body Composition Visceral Fat
Participants' visceral fat will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Basal Metabolic Rate
Basal metabolic rate measurements will be taken using a portable indirect calorimeter.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Peripheral Muscle Strength
Peripheral muscle strength assessment will include measurements of quadriceps femoris muscle strength and hand grip strength. An electronic hand dynamometer will be used to assess quadriceps femoris muscle strength. Participants' grip strength will be measured using a Jamar brand hydraulic hand dynamometer.
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Physical Activity Level
Physical activity level will be measured with a wearable activity monitor that tracks daily step count and activity minutes.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeeks
Change in Quality of Life Score
The Turkish version of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Quality of Life-50 Questionnaire (PCOSQ-50) will be used to assess quality of life. The scale's total score and subscale scores are calculated using a scale with values of never 5, rarely 4, sometimes 3, frequently 4, and always 1. The total score ranges from 50 to 250 points.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks.
Change in Menstrual Cycle Regularity
Changes in menstrual cycle regularity will be assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks using daily logs.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Exercise Adherence
Participants' attendance and compliance with the sessions will be directly monitored by the physiotherapist. Attendance will be determined based on the number of sessions attended, for a total of 24 sessions. Attendance is defined as attending at least 80% of the scheduled exercise sessions.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Exercise Satisfaction
Participants' satisfaction level with the exercise programs will be assessed using the Global Rating of Change (GRC). Participants will be asked to express their level of satisfaction with the application using a single question. They will be asked to rate their satisfaction on a 5-point Likert scale, with "1" representing very poor satisfaction and "5" representing very good satisfaction.
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
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