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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)NCT07509762

Exercise Programs in Women With PCOS

A study testing Face-to-face exercise and Digital rehabilitation in people with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), run by Biruni University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a digital rehabilitation-supported combined exercise program in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Participants aged 18-40 years will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a digital rehabilitation group, a face-to-face exercise group, and a physical… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 40 years, women only
Conditions the study is for
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
What is being tested?
Face-to-face exercise and Digital rehabilitation
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
33 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
1 Sep 2026to 25 Mar 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 40 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Women aged 18-40 years diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria (Rotterdam, 2003) and by a specialist physician.
  • The presence of at least two of the following three criteria will be considered sufficient for a diagnosis of PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria: (i) history of irregular menstruation with oligo/anovulation, (ii) clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, (iii) detection of polycystic ovary images on ultrasonography.
  • Having sufficient technological skills to participate in the treatment online (ability to use video conferencing applications)
  • Voluntary participation in the study

Who cannot join

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • Individuals with acute infections
  • Uncontrolled arrhythmia, hypertension, diabetes, and unstable angina pectoris
  • Impaired cooperation, orthopedic and neurological problems that may hinder assessment and program participation
  • Individuals with a history of lower extremity injury or surgery in the last six months
  • Individuals with class III obesity according to WHO classification (BMI > 40 kg/m2) (WHO, 2000)
Show all 9Show fewer
  • Individuals receiving medical treatment for weight loss (liraglutide, semaglutide, orlistat, bupropion/naltrexone, thizzpatide) or participating in a structured diet program during the study period
  • Individuals actively participating in another exercise program
  • Individuals taking antihypertensive, insulin-sensitizing, or hormonal contraceptive drugs in the last 3 months

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Buket Akinci, Prof. Dr. contact

+905056415692

bakinci@biruni.edu.tr

Kübra Arslan, MsC contact

+905439470584

kbra.arslan96@gmail.com

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Biruni University

    Istanbul, 34015

    Buket Akıncı, Prof. Dr., +90 505 641 5692, bakinci@biruni.edu.tr

    Kübra Arslan, +90 543 947 0584, kbra.arslan96@gmail.com

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Investigation of the Effectiveness of a Digital Rehabilitation-Supported Combined Exercise Program in the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a digital rehabilitation-supported combined exercise program in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Participants aged 18-40 years will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a digital rehabilitation group, a face-to-face exercise group, and a physical activity counseling group. The intervention will last 8 weeks, with exercise performed three times per week. Outcomes will include DNA methylation, hormonal and metabolic parameters, anthropometric measurements, body composition, muscle strength, basal metabolic rate, physical activity level, quality of life, menstrual cycle regularity, exercise adherence and satisfaction.

Read the detailed description

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive dysfunctions. Exercise is a key component in the management of PCOS; however, adherence to exercise programs remains a major challenge.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital rehabilitation-supported combined exercise program compared to face-to-face supervised exercise and physical activity counseling.

Participants aged 18-40 years will be randomly assigned into three groups:

  1. Face-to-face exercise group
  2. Digital rehabilitation group
  3. Physical activity counseling group The intervention will last for 8 weeks, with exercise sessions conducted three times per week.

The face-to-face group will participate in supervised exercise sessions conducted by physiotherapist. The digital rehabilitation group will perform the same exercise protocol as the face-to-face group group online, live (synchronously), under the guidance of physiotherapist. The counseling group will receive physical activity recommendations.

Outcome measures will include epigenetic changes (DNA methylation), hormonal and metabolic parameters, anthropometric measurements, body composition, muscle strength, basal metabolic rate, physical activity level, quality of life, menstrual cycle regularity, exercise adherence and satisfaction.

Being tested
Face-to-face exercise, Digital rehabilitation
Keywords
PCOS, Digital rehabilitation, combined exercise, DNA methylation
Medical subject headings
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Face-to-face exerciseBehavioural

    Participants will perform the same combined exercise program (aerobic and resistance exercises) delivered in person by the study team. Sessions are supervised directly in a clinical setting.

  • Digital rehabilitationBehavioural

    Participants will perform a combined exercise program (aerobic and resistance exercises) through a digital rehabilitation platform.

Study groups in NCT07509762
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Face-to-face Exercise GroupExperimentalParticipants will perform combined exercise sessions with a physiotherapist, three times per week for 8 weeks.
Receives: Behavioral: Face-to-face exercise
Digital Rehabilitation GroupExperimentalParticipants will perform a combined exercise program by digital rehabilitation tools with physiotherapist, three times per week for 8 weeks.
Receives: Behavioral: Digital rehabilitation
Physical Activity Counseling GroupNo interventionParticipants will receive physical activity recommendations.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in DNA methylation levels in women with PCOS

    Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis will be used to measure methylation in blood samples taken baseline and after 8 weeks.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 week

Secondary outcomes (26)
  1. Hormonal Parameter Testosterone

    Serum levels of testosterone will be measured at baseline and after 8 weeks.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks.

  2. Hormonal Parameter Luteinizing Hormone

    Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) will be measured at baseline and after 8 weeks.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  3. Hormonal Parameter Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

    Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) will be measured at baseline and after 8 weeks.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  4. Metabolic Parameter Fasting Blood Glucose

    For the evaluation of fasting blood glucose (FPG) will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  5. Metabolic Parameter Insulin Level

    For the evaluation of insulin level will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  6. Metabolic Parameter High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

    For the evaluation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  7. Metabolic Parameter Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

    For the evaluation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  8. Metabolic Parameter Total Cholesterol

    For the evaluation of total cholesterol will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  9. Metabolic Parameter Triglycerides

    For the evaluation of triglycerides will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  10. Metabolic Parameter C-Reactive Protein

    For the evaluation of C-reactive protein (CRP) will be measured in all participants baseline and after 8 weeks.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  11. Anthropometric Measurements Waist Circumference

    Waist circumference will be measured using standardized tape.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  12. Anthropometric Measurements Hip Circumference

    Hip circumference will be measured using standardized tape.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  13. Body Composition Body Mass Index

    Participants' BMI will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  14. Body Composition Body Fat Mass

    Participants' body fat mass (kg) will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  15. Body Composition Body Fat Percentage

    Participants' body fat percentage (%) will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  16. Body Composition Body Muscle Percentage

    Participants' body muscle percentage (%) will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  17. Body Composition Body Muscle Mass

    Participants' body muscle mass (kg) will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  18. Body Composition Lean Body Mass

    Participants' lean body mass (kg) will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).

    Measured: Baseine and after 8 weeks

  19. Body Composition Visceral Fat

    Participants' visceral fat will be measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  20. Basal Metabolic Rate

    Basal metabolic rate measurements will be taken using a portable indirect calorimeter.

    Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks

  21. Peripheral Muscle Strength

    Peripheral muscle strength assessment will include measurements of quadriceps femoris muscle strength and hand grip strength. An electronic hand dynamometer will be used to assess quadriceps femoris muscle strength. Participants' grip strength will be measured using a Jamar brand hydraulic hand dynamometer.

    Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks

  22. Physical Activity Level

    Physical activity level will be measured with a wearable activity monitor that tracks daily step count and activity minutes.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeeks

  23. Change in Quality of Life Score

    The Turkish version of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Quality of Life-50 Questionnaire (PCOSQ-50) will be used to assess quality of life. The scale's total score and subscale scores are calculated using a scale with values of never 5, rarely 4, sometimes 3, frequently 4, and always 1. The total score ranges from 50 to 250 points.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks.

  24. Change in Menstrual Cycle Regularity

    Changes in menstrual cycle regularity will be assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks using daily logs.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  25. Exercise Adherence

    Participants' attendance and compliance with the sessions will be directly monitored by the physiotherapist. Attendance will be determined based on the number of sessions attended, for a total of 24 sessions. Attendance is defined as attending at least 80% of the scheduled exercise sessions.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

  26. Exercise Satisfaction

    Participants' satisfaction level with the exercise programs will be assessed using the Global Rating of Change (GRC). Participants will be asked to express their level of satisfaction with the application using a single question. They will be asked to rate their satisfaction on a 5-point Likert scale, with "1" representing very poor satisfaction and "5" representing very good satisfaction.

    Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted3 Apr 2026
  2. Study start1 Sep 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion15 Jan 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion25 Mar 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
33 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07509762
Sponsor's protocol ID
2025-KAEK-49-PCOS
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
24 Mar 2026
Last updated
17 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to privacy concerns and institutional regulations at Biruni University.

Publications

  • Turan V, Mutlu EK, Solmaz U, Ekin A, Tosun O, Tosun G, Mat E, Gezer C, Malkoc M. Benefits of short-term structured exercise in non-overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective randomized controlled study. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Jul;27(7):2293-7. doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.2293. Epub 2015 Jul 22.

    PubMed 26311969
  • Wright PJ, Burts C, Harmon C, Corbett CF. Availability and Use of Digital Technology Among Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Scoping Review. JMIR Infodemiology. 2025 Jun 12;5:e68469. doi: 10.2196/68469.

    PubMed 40505084

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Face-to-face exercise and Digital rehabilitation in people with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), run by Biruni University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Buket Akinci, Prof. Dr. (+905056415692, bakinci@biruni.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in DNA methylation levels in women with PCOS (time frame: Baseline and after 8 week). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07509762, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Jun 2026.

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