The Effect of 12 Weeks of Aquatic Training on the Quality of Life, Hormonal and Metabolic Indices, Aerobic Power and Physical Performance in Women with Polycystic Ovaries and Hypothyroidism: A Single-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors
Shabnam Talebi-Kharzooghi 1
Khosro Jalali-Dehkordi 2
Farzaneh Taghian 3
1 PhD Student, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
3 Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
10.48305/jrrs.2026.43206.1105
Abstract
Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder in reproductive women affecting 15%-20% of women of reproductive age. It induces insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia due to hyperandrogenism. Physical exercise can reduce androgens and mitigate hyperandrogenism by modulating the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This study investigated the effects of aquatic exercise on the quality of life (QoL), as well as hormonal and physical indices, in women with PCOS and hypothyroidism.
Materials and Methods: In this single-blinded randomized clinical trial (RCT), 30 women with PCOS and hypothyroidism were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 15 each). The variables were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks. During the 12-week period, the intervention group participated in regular aquatic exercises, while the control group did not engage in any structured exercise. Data normality was examined using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed for data analysis.
Results: Aquatic exercises significantly improved anthropometric indicators and lipid profiles in the intervention group (P = 0.001). Additionally, these exercises had a positive impact on aerobic power, physical performance, and hormonal parameters (P = 0.001), although FSH titers remained unchanged (P = 0.06).
Conclusion: It appears that 12 weeks of regular aquatic exercise can improve anthropometric and hormonal parameters, QoL, aerobic power, and physical performance in women with PCOS and hypothyroidism.

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