Improving health outcomes through a strength training and yoga program for young women with PCOS: A quality improvement project

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with physical, mental, and reproductive health challenges. Lifestyle interventions, including exercise and yoga, have shown promise in managing PCOS symptoms. This quality improvement project aimed to assess the impact of a combined strength training and yoga program on the health outcomes of young women with PCOS.
Methods: The 13-month program (December 2021 to January 2023) was conducted in a community setting. Participants were young women diagnosed with PCOS, selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. The intervention included bi-weekly strength training and yoga sessions, supplemented by group discussions and motivational coaching. Primary outcomes included weight loss, BMI reduction, mental health improvement (measured by PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores), and menstrual regularity. Adherence and participation rates were tracked to evaluate engagement.
Results: The average weight loss among participants was 5.2 ± 2.4 kg, with BMI reduced from 29.1 ± 3.2 kg/m² to 26.8 ± 2.9 kg/m². PHQ-9 depression scores decreased from 12.3 ± 4.5 to 6.4 ± 3.2, and GAD-7 anxiety scores improved from 10.6 ± 3.7 to 5.8 ± 2.9. Menstrual regularity improved, with 75% of participants reporting regular cycles by the end of the program. 82% of participants completed at least 70% of the sessions, indicating strong adherence.
Conclusion: The combined strength training and yoga program effectively improved physical, mental, and reproductive health outcomes among young women with PCOS. High adherence rates demonstrated the feasibility of this approach, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle interventions in managing PCOS. Future efforts should focus on scaling the program and integrating nutrition-based strategies for even better outcomes.