Background: Fitness is a marker of physiological and mental health. The
purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of processes to recruit
women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during the Covid pandemic and collect
their health and fitness data. Additionally, the data was used to explore
possible associations between anthropometrics, PCOS biomarkers, health-related
quality-of-life (HRQoL), and depressive symptoms with that of fitness and
self-reported physical activity levels among women with PCOS. Methods: A
convenience sample of women with PCOS (n = 15) were recruited via flyers and the
snowball method. Participants completed surveys, anthropometrics, a dual energy
x-ray absorptiometry scan, blood work, and a fitness assessment. Data were
statistically analyzed using Spearman correlations. Results: Feasibility
measures of recruitment and retention rates were 83% and 100%, respectively.
Fidelity measurement for process averaged 97%. Participants (age 25.9 (
6.2), mostly White (80%), single (60%), and employed full-time (67%)) were
categorized as obese (body mass index (BMI) 32.2 kg/m 8.3, percent
bodyfat 41.1% 8.1) with 1 comorbidity. Most participants were
not regularly physically active and had high free testosterone levels (7.6 pg/mL
4.3), elevated high-density lipoprotein (63.2 mg/dL 12.9), fair
cardiovascular capacity, and below average muscular strength/endurance. The
following statistically significant and strong associations were found: (1)
VO max with percent bodyfat (–0.59; p = 0.02), sex hormone
binding globulin (0.73; p = 0.00), HRQoL (0.72; p = 0.00), and
depressive symptoms (–0.67; p = 0.00), (2) abdominal strength with BMI
(–0.66; p = 0.01) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) (0.59; p
= 0.02), (3) physical activity level with percent bodyfat (–0.72; p =
0.00), and (4) resistance training with low density lipoprotein (LDL) (–0.52;
p = 0.05). Conclusions: Collecting health and fitness data from
women with PCOS is a feasible research approach. Randomized controlled trials in
which health and fitness data are collected from women with PCOS are needed to
confirm possible associations between fitness and PCOS clinical features and is
in the planning process.