High-Intensity Functional Training for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

INTERVENTION: Group 1 ‐ High‐intensity functional training (HIFT) The HIFT intervention will be supervised by a certified fitness professional. HIFT will include both “cardio” or “resistance” sessions. The cardio sessions include body weight and dynamic movements which target the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. The resistance sessions use weighted functional movement patterns to target muscle mass, strength, and power. Both the cardio and resistance sessions last a total of 45 minutes. Participants will initially be prescribed one exercise session per week (aerobic session) in week 1, two exercise sessions per week (1 aerobic sessions and 1 resistance session) in week 2. From week 3, participants will be asked to attend three HIFT (2 aerobic sessions and 1 resistance session) classes per week. Location where intervention will be delivered: F45® Bulli or Corrimal, Mode of delivery: the exercise sessions will be delivered in groups of no more than 30 people per class. Duration of intervention: 12 weeks. Intensity of duration: participants will be asked to work out at an intensity equivalent to 13‐17 RPE during the active exercise period. Examples of exercises prescribed as part of the intervention: squats (bodyweight and weighted back squats), deadlift, push‐press, medicine ball throws, skipping (including double‐unders) and more. Adherence: Adherence will be monitored through session attendance checklists and HR will be recorded by a HR monitor. Group 2 ‐ Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) Participants in PAG will be prescribed an exercise program that is consistent with current Australian physical activity guidelines for 12 weeks. This includes instruction to undertake 150 min of moderate‐intensity or 75 min of vigorous‐intensity aerobic exer CONDITION: Reproductive Health and Childbirth ‐ Other reproductive health and childbirth disorders Metabolic and Endocrine ‐ Other endocrine disorders Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PRIMARY OUTCOME: Cardiorespiratory fitness assessed via graded exercise test and gas analysis.[Assessed at baseline and at 13 weeks post‐intervention commencement. ] Muscle endurance via maximal repetitions to failure at 70% 1RM for the bench press and back squat exercises.[Assessed at baseline and at 13 weeks post‐intervention commencement. ] Muscular strength assessed via one repetition maximum of chest press and leg press exercises.[Assessed at baseline and at 13 weeks post‐intervention commencement. ] INCLUSION CRITERIA: To participate in this study, participants must: • be between the ages of 18‐40 years; • have a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as per Rotterdam 2003 criteria; • be physically inactive (undertaking < 150 minutes of exercise per week or exercising < 3 days per week); • have overweight or obesity (BMI between 25 to 40 kg/m2); • able to attend three training sessions per week at F45® Bulli or Corrimal for 12 weeks; • ability to read and communicate in the English language. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Insulin sensitivity measured via homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and oral glucose tolerance test.[Assessed at baseline and at 13 weeks post‐intervention commencement. ] Body composition (fat mass, lean mass, body fat %) will be assessed using dual x‐ray absorptiometry. [Assessed at baseline and at 13 weeks post‐intervention commencement. ] Anthropometry (body mass, height, waist circumference, hip circumference)[Assessed at baseline and at 13 weeks post‐intervention commencement. ] Arterial stiffness measured via pulse wave velocity assessment.[Assessed at baseline and at 13 weeks post‐intervention commencement. ] Blood biochemistry: serum glucose, insulin, lipids, inflammatory markers, and liver enzymes[Assessed at baseline and at 13 weeks post‐intervention commencement. ] Physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES Questionnaire) [Assessed at baseline and at 13 weeks post‐intervention commencement. ] Quality of life via 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF36) and Modified Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health‐Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (MPCOSQ)[Assessed at baseline and at 13 weeks post‐intervention commencement. ]