Abstract
Introduction
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is prevalent among women, impacting health and quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of adding whole-body vibration (WBV) to the traditional treatment of PCOS.
Material and methods
Forty-six women diagnosed with PCOS, aged 20 to 35 years, with BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2, were randomly divided into two equal groups. The study group followed an iso-caloric, low-glycemic diet and performed aerobic exercises in addition to WBV, and the control group followed an iso-caloric, low-glycemic diet and performed aerobic exercise only (n = 23 each). Treatment lasted for eight weeks, three sessions per week. BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR), and LH/FSH ratio were assessed pre- and post- treatment. Insulin resistance was assessed by HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) pre- and post-treatment.
Results
Significant decreases in weight, BMI, HOMA-IR, and LH/FSH ratio were noted between the two time points (before and after-treatment) in both groups (p < 0.05). However, WHR only showed a significant decrease in the study group (p < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the study group showed a significant reduction in weight (−8.08 kg vs. – 4.39 kg, p = 0.0009), BMI (−2.99 kg/m2 vs. −1.6 kg/m2, p = 0.004), WHR (−0.05 vs. −0.018, p = 0.009), HOMA-IR (−1.54 vs. − 0.77, p = 0.03), and LH/FSH ratio (−0.53 vs. −0.5, p = 0.02) after eight weeks of treatment.
Conclusions
Adding WBV to aerobic exercise appears to have favourable outcomes for patients with PCOS.