IMPACT OF HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING WITH ADJUNCT RELAXATION THERAPY ON METABOLIC PARAMETERS, STRESS LEVELS, AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder
characterized by insulin resistance, obesity, psychological stress, and reduced health-related
quality of life. While exercise is a cornerstone of management, the combined effect of high-
intensity training and stress-reduction strategies remains underexplored.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with adjunct
relaxation therapy on metabolic parameters, stress levels, and health-related quality of life in
women with PCOS.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with PCOS aged 18–
35 years, who were randomly allocated into an experimental group (HIIT + relaxation
therapy) and a control group (moderate-intensity continuous training). The intervention was
carried out for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist–Hip
Ratio, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality
of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ). Statistical analysis was performed using paired and
unpaired t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures (p < 0.05).
However, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in BMI (p =
0.038), Waist–Hip Ratio (p = 0.017), and PSS scores (p < 0.001), along with a significantly
higher improvement in PCOSQ scores (p < 0.001) compared to the control group.
Conclusion: HIIT combined with relaxation therapy is more effective than conventional
exercise alone in improving metabolic health, reducing stress, and enhancing quality of life
in women with PCOS. This combined approach offers a holistic and time-efficient strategy
for physiotherapy management.