Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physician Assistant Program

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of aerobic exercise compared with resistance training in improving metabolic and reproductive outcomes in adult women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Primary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance, and menstrual regularity.

Method: A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, the National Institutes of Health database, and ScienceDirect. Studies published from 2020 onward involving adult women diagnosed with PCOS were included. Adolescent populations or studies published before 2020 were excluded. Five studies met inclusion criteria, consisting of three systematic reviews with meta-analyses, one randomized controlled trial, and one retrospective secondary analysis.

Results: Both aerobic and resistance training improved metabolic and reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise demonstrated the most consistent reductions in BMI,  while high intensity interval training (HIIT) produced the greatest improvements in insulin sensitivity and menstrual regularity. Resistance training improved body composition through increased lean muscle mass and favorable metabolic changes. Overall, exercise consistently improved insulin resistance and reproductive health; however, heterogeneity in study design, intervention duration, and outcome measurements limited direct comparison between exercise modalities and were generally not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Current evidence supports both aerobic and resistance training as beneficial first line, non pharmacologic therapies for women with PCOS. Exercise prescriptions should be individualized based on patient goals and preferences. Additional high quality studies directly comparing exercise modalities are needed to determine the optimal exercise prescription.

Key Words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, aerobic exercise, resistance training, insulin resistance, menstrual regularity, body mass index.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Dalilah Garcia has an anticipated graduation date of July 2026 from the Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program. Her favorite rotation was Gynecological Oncology. She  plans to be working in Women’s Health or surgical speciality after graduation. Dalilah was inspired to research the topic of “From Movement to Metabolism: The Role of Exercise in PCOS” because she has a special interest in Women's Health and was intrigued on what exercise regimens can reduce symptoms for women with PCOS.

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