High Intensity Interval Training Versus Mat Pilates in Women With PCOS

NCT07875400 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Aneeqa Farooq
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, poor physical fitness, and reduced quality of life. This randomized controlled trial will examine how High intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Mat Pilates effect body composition, physical fitness, and quality of life in women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) . A total of 60 participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups; HIIT, Mat Pilates, or a control group. Each intervention will run for eight weeks, with body composition, physical fitness, and quality of life measured both before and after the program to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of the two exercise intervention.

Conditions

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS); Quality of Life; Physical Fitness

Keywords

PPCOS; High Intensity Interval Training; HIIT; Mat Pilates; Body Composition; Physical Fitness; Women with PCOS; Exercise Training; Menstrual Irregularity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Change in Body Composition

  Change from baseline in body weight, measured in kilograms using a weighing scale.

  Baseline and post-intervention (Week 8).

• Body circumference

  Change from baseline in body circumference (neck, chest, waist, hips, upper arm, thigh, and calf), measured in centimeters using a measuring tape.

  Baseline and post-intervention (Week 8)

• Change in Skinfold Thickness

  Change from baseline in skinfold thickness, measured in millimeters using a skinfold caliper.

  Baseline and post-intervention (Week 8)

Secondary Outcomes (9)

• Change in Quality of Life (PCOSQ score)

  Baseline and post-intervention (e.g., Week 8)

• Change in 6-Minute Walk Test Distance

  Baseline and post-intervention (Week 8).

• Change in Curl-Up Repetitions

  Baseline and post-intervention (Week 8)

• Change in Bird-Dog Test Performance

  Baseline and post-intervention (Week 8)

• Change in Wall-Squat Hold Time.

  Baseline and post-intervention (Week 8).

Study Arms (3)

Arm 1: HIIT Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Arm Description: HIIT Group: Participants will undergo a structured high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program for 8 weeks, consisting of repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise followed by active recovery periods. Sessions will be conducted under supervision and will progressively increase in intensity according to participants tolerance and fitness level.

Other: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Arm 2: Mat Pilates Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Mat Pilates Group: Participants will undergo a structured mat Pilates program for 8 weeks, consisting of supervised Pilates exercises focusing on core strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, posture, balance, and controlled breathing. Exercise intensity will be progressively increased according to participants' tolerance and fitness level.

Other: Mat Pilates group

Control

OTHER

Participants will receive basic mobility exercises and general daily-life activity guidance throughout the 8-week study period.

Other: General mobility exercises

Interventions

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) OTHER

Participants will undergo a supervised 8-week High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program, consisting of repeated bouts of high-intensity exercises alternated with active recovery periods. Each session will include a warm-up, HIIT exercises, and cool-down. Exercise intensity and duration will be progressively increased according to participants' tolerance and fitness level.

Arm 1: HIIT Group

Mat Pilates group OTHER

Participants will undergo a supervised 8-week Mat Pilates program, consisting of structured Pilates exercises focusing on core strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, posture, balance, and controlled breathing. Each session will include a warm-up, Pilates exercises, and cool-down. Exercise intensity and difficulty will be progressively increased according to participants' tolerance and fitness level.

Arm 2: Mat Pilates Group

General mobility exercises OTHER

Participants will receive basic mobility exercises and general daily-life activity guidance throughout the 8-week study period.

Control

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as per Rotterdam Criteria.
• Sedentary or low physical activity level.
• Willing to participate and provide informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
• Diagnosed endocrine disorders (e.g., thyroid disorders, Cushing syndrome)
• Diagnosed cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or metabolic diseases.
• Recent pelvic or abdominal surgery.
• Currently on structured exercise program or hormonal therapy.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Riphah International University

Islamabad, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Menstruation Disturbances

Interventions

High-Intensity Interval Training

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Ovarian Cysts; Cysts; Neoplasms; Ovarian Diseases; Adnexal Diseases; Genital Diseases, Female; Female Urogenital Diseases; Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications; Urogenital Diseases; Genital Diseases; Gonadal Disorders; Endocrine System Diseases; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Physical Conditioning, Human; Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Officials

• Aneeqa Farooq

  Riphah International University, Islamabad

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Huma Riaz

CONTACT

03215242874; huma.riaz@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: This is a three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: (1) High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), (2) Mat Pilates, or (3) a control group. Each group will receive its assigned intervention (or standard care, for the control group) concurrently over the same study duration, with outcomes assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Participants in each arm will not cross over to another intervention during the study period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 16, 2026
• First Posted: October 15, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): October 20, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 31, 2027
• Last Updated: October 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)