The effects of aerobic physical exercises on body image among women with polycystic ovary syndrome

• Published in: Journal of affective disorders Vol. 262; pp. 350 - 358
• Main Authors: Kogure, Gislaine Satyko, Lopes, Iris Palma, Ribeiro, Victor Barbosa, Mendes, Maria Célia, Kodato, Sérgio, Furtado, Cristiana Libardi Miranda, Silva de Sá, Marcos Felipe, Ferriani, Rui Alberto, Lara, Lúcia Alves da Silva, Reis, Rosana Maria dos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.02.2020
• Subjects: Adult; Aerobic Physical Exercise; Anxiety; Anxiety - etiology; Anxiety - therapy; Body image; Body Image - psychology; Body Mass Index; Depression; Depression - etiology; Depression - therapy; Exercise - psychology; Exercise Therapy - methods; Female; Humans; Obesity - complications; Obesity - psychology; Overweight - complications; Overweight - psychology; Personal Satisfaction; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - complications; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - psychology; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - therapy; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - etiology; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - therapy; Sexual function; Treatment Outcome; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Aerobic Physical Exercise; Depression; Anxiety; Body image; Sexual function
• ISSN: 0165-0327; 1573-2517
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.025

•Women with PCOS requires a multidisciplinary approach.•The dimensions body image are linked to physical activity.•Physical exercise reduced risk of anxiety and depression.•Aerobic exercise improves sexual function. Both physical and mental health care for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) require a multidisciplinary approach. We evaluated the effects of continuous (CAT) and intermittent (IAT) aerobic training in different protocols that measure body image, anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction in women with PCOS. In this controlled clinical trial, women with PCOS were randomly allocated for 16 weeks to 1 out of 3 groups: CAT (n = 28), IAT (n = 29), or control group (CG, n = 30). For data collection, we used the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), Figure Rating Scale (FRS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Measurement Scales (HADS). No effects of CAT, IAT or CG groups were identified in the perceptual dimension of body image. The dis(satisfaction) grade improved after exercise in the CAT group (p ≤ 0.01) compared to the CG, as well as improved within CAT and IAT groups. Total FSFI, and HADS-A and HADS-D scores improved after exercise in the both groups. At baseline and after the study period, there were positive correlations between scores for dis(satisfaction), HADS-A and HADS-D scores. HADS-A and HADS-D scores had a negative correlation with FSFI total in the IAT (p = =0.02) group compared to the CG, as well as within CAT and IAT groups. The participants were not matched for body mass index (normal, overweight and obese) which may interfere on body image dimensions. Aerobic exercise improves sexual function and indices related to anxiety and depression. Likewise, it interferes in cognitive-affective dimension of the body image.