Background: Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) affects approximately one in ten women of reproductive age and is associated with metabolic, reproductive, and psychological consequences. Exercise is recommended as first-line management; however, participation is often limited by barriers including time, travel, cost, body image concerns and access to facilities. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is time-efficient, but most evidence comes from laboratory-delivered programs. This study examined whether remotely supervised home-based HIIT is a feasible and effective alternative to laboratory-based HIIT in women with PMOS.
Methods: In this randomised controlled trial, women aged 18-45 years with PMOS and a body mass index above 25 kg/m² completed three supervised cycling sessions per week for 12 weeks. Home-based sessions were delivered through Zoom using a stationary bike, while laboratory-based sessions were conducted face-to-face. Heart rate was monitored in real time. Outcomes included feasibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiometabolic health and mental health.
Results: Twenty-six participants were randomised, and 21 completed post-intervention testing, including 13 in the home-based group and eight in the laboratory-based group. Mean adherence was 93 ± 5.3% and 89 ± 4.4%, respectively. V̇O₂peak increased from 26.9 ± 5.1 to 29.9 ± 6.3 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ in the home group and from 23.8 ± 3.5 to 27.4 ± 4.6 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ in the laboratory group (p<0.05). Depression, anxiety, and stress decreased over time (p<0.05). All PCOSQ domains improved (p<0.05). SF-36 physical functioning, energy/fatigue, social functioning, and general health also improved significantly (p<0.05). No significant group-by-time interactions were identified for these questionnaire outcomes.