Insulin resistance in women with & without PCOS: The FIREx study

'Understanding the role of tissue Fibrosis in Insulin Resistance associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and the impact of Exercise: The FIREx study.'

The FIREx study will improve knowledge on the mechanisms of insulin resistance and the health benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) compared with standard care in women with and without PCOS. The study is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and will  investigate new mechanisms of insulin resistance and the impact of HIIT which is known to improve metabolic health in those with and without PCOS.

Participants with and without PCOS who are considered lean (body mass index [BMI] <26.9) will undertake a series of metabolic, fitness and clinical assessments only.

Those with and without PCOS who at consider overweight (BMI>27) will be randomly allocated to either a lifestyle advice and HIIT or lifestyle advice only intervention group.

All participants will have the following tests:

• DEXA scans to measure body composition
• Blood sampling
• Hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp (used to determine insulin sensitivity)
• Muscle and fat sampling
• Exercise testing
• Lifestyle questionnaires focusing on nutrition, quality of life and physical activity
• Physical activity monitoring via accelerometer.

Women in this study must meet these criteria:

• not be taking oral contraceptives, insulin sensitisers or lipid lowering medications
• not smoke
• not be pregnant or looking to fall pregnant in next 6 months
• not have diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Research partners include:

• Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research (Australia Catholic University)
• Monash University
• the University of Adelaide
• Centre for Research Excellence in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (CREPCOS).

For more information, contact:

• Rhiannon Patten, [email protected]
• Dr Alba Moreno-Asso, [email protected] .