Effect of a yoga program on glucose metabolism and blood lipid levels in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of yoga therapy on glucose metabolism and blood lipid values in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsA prospective, randomized, interventional controlled trial recruited 90 adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years who met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS. A yoga group practiced suryanamaskara, asanas, pranayama, and meditation 1 hour per day each day for12 weeks while another group practiced conventional physical exercises. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare score changes between the 2 groups.ResultsThe changes in fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were significantly different in the 2 groups (P < 0.05). Except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the changes in blood lipid values were also significantly different (P < 0.05). The changes in body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio, however, were not significantly different (P > 0.05).ConclusionYoga was found to be more effective than conventional physical exercises in improving glucose, lipid, and insulin values, including insulin resistance values, in adolescent girls with PCOS independent of anthropometric changes.Central Trial Registry of India No.: REFCTRI-2008 000291.