Improving reproductive function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome by high intensity interval training (IMPROV-IT)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. In this study we assess whether regular exercise training can improve menstruation frequency and metabolic health in PCOS patients.

We have just started to enrol participants in this study.

Exercise Training in Pregnancy for overweight/obese women (ETIP).

In this study, we will assess if regular exercise training in pregnancy reduces gestational weight gain. Women with body mass index (BMI) of 28 or more are randomly allocated into two groups; one exercise group and one control group.

We will also assess the general health of the mothers-to-be, including their fitness, blood pressure, glucose tolerance, body composition and vascular function.

The participants are assessed at early pregnancy, late pregnancy and three months after giving birth. In the newborn, we measure weight, length, body composition and also take blood samples from the umbilical cord.

The ETIP study started in 2010 and has just finished recruitment of participants. We are now working on analysing the data and planning the follow-up assessment of the children when they are 4-5 years old.

• The ETIP study protocol

Findings

• The first results from the study
• Outcomes at time of birth for mother and child

Increasing success rate after assisted fertilisation by exercise in women with high BMI (FertilEX)

This is a study where we assess whether 10 weeks of high intensity interval exercise prior to assisted fertilisation will improve the pregnancy rate of women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher.

Participants are randomly allocated to either an exercise training group, or to a control group receiving standard clinical care before assisted fertilisation.

This study is on-going.

• The research protocol

Comparing two different interval training programmes

We are comparing two different interval training programmes with women aged 18-45 years.

The participants will be matched on age, height and weight with participants of another study. The exercise period is 16 weeks with 3 sessions per week. The study will be conducted at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, and has been approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics.