The Effect of a 16-week Home-based Aerobic Exercise Program on Serum High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (Hs-CRP) and Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders that affect 10 to 15% of women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS are at risk for complications such as pregnancy poor outcomes, insulin resistance, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases and some malignant conditions where increase in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level is known to be a marker. Aim: To investigate the effect of a 16-week home-based aerobic exercise program on high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and insulin resistance index in females with PCOS. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 24 female patients with PCOS were included and were divided into experimental (a home-based aerobic exercise program for 16 weeks) group (12 subjects) and control group (no intervention, 12 subjects). Serum hs-CRP and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were measured and compared between the two groups. The paired t-test was used to compare the variables at baseline and after 16-weeks. Results: Mean (±SD) hs-CRP level in experimental group at baseline was 6.31 (±2.64) mg/L which decreased to 3.91 (±1.59) mg/L (p=0.004). Mean (±SD) HOMA-IR in the experimental group at baseline was 3.24 (±1.3) which decreased to 1.87 (±0.47) after 16-weeks. However, no significant change in hs-CRP or HOMA-IR was seen in control group. Conclusion: The home-based aerobic exercise program had a beneficial effect on improving insulin sensitivity (decrease in HOMA-IR) and reduction in hs-CRP in women with PCOS. This exercise could be recommended as a safe treatment for these patients.