Effect of 12-week High Intensity Interval Training Program on C-Reactive Protein and Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with metabolic derangements including insulin resistance which causes dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance. In addition, low-grade inflammation reflected by elevated serum Highsensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) levels is common in PCOS patients. Non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise training can play an important role in reducing insulin resistance and inflammatory markers. Aim: To determine the effect of 12-weeks of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program on insulin resistance and hsCRP in women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: In this Quasi-experimental study, 24 female patients with PCOS were included and divided into two groups {HIIT (12 cases) and control group (12 cases)}. HIIT consisted of three sessions for 12-weeks of intense anaerobic exercise with short periods (4 minutes) to reach 90% of maximal heart rate for 2 sessions and 1 session with moderate exercise to reach 70% of maximal heart rate. The control group resumed normal daily life without any intervention. Serum hs-CRP and fasting glucose and insulin levels were measured at baseline and after 12-weeks and HOMA-IR was calculated. Paired t-test was used to compare the measured continuous variables. Results: Mean (±SD) HOMA-IR in HIIT group decreased from 3.22 (±1.72) to 1.99 (±0.66); p=0.001. Mean (±SD) serum hs-CRP level in HIIT group decreased from 6.3 (±1.41) to 4.7 (±1.25) mg/L; p=0.033. No significant decrease was seen in control group. Conclusion: HIIT is associated with improvement of insulin resistance and decrease in hs-CRP in PCOS patients. This exercise training can be used as early intervention in PCOS patients.