Evaluation of muscle and bone composition and function in aging women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The potential effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on the musculoskeletal system are not well established. We examined the musculoskeletal system in women with PCOS in their late reproductive years.

STUDY-DESIGN

This cross-sectional study included 34 women with PCOS and 32 control women matched for age and body mass index (BMI).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used for body composition analysis and cross-sectional areas and fat fraction of muscles were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) of the abdomen and thigh. Muscle strength was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer.

RESULTS

The mean age of the PCOS group was 43 ± 3.7 years and of the control group 42.2 ± 3.5 years. Testosterone, free androgen index, and fasting insulin were higher in PCOS patients than controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.001 and p = 0.032, respectively). Patients and controls had similar values for total abdominal muscle area (TAMA), paraspinal muscle area, thigh muscle area, vertebral MRI-PDFF, thigh and paraspinal muscle MRI-PDFF. There was no difference in DXA-derived muscle and bone composition between the two groups. Body composition parameters measured by MRI and DXA were correlated with BMI and fasting insulin levels, but not with androgen levels in both groups. Subgroup analyses showed that PCOS women with obesity had higher TAMA than controls with obesity (p = 0.012). Apart than higher 60°/sec knee extensor average power in nonobese PCOS (p = 0.049), no difference in muscle mechanical function was detected between PCOS patients and controls.

CONCLUSION

Musculoskeletal composition and function are similar in PCOS patients and healthy women in late reproductive years. Body composition is linked with obesity and insulin resistance rather than hyperandrogenemia.

The effects of home confinement on physical activity level and mental status in professional football players during COVID-19 outbreak

OBJECTIVES

The coronavirus outbreak caused significant changes in football around the world, such as the suspension of leagues and home isolation of players, etc. The main purpose of the present study was to assess the psychological impacts of lockdown and similar restrictions on professional football players during the coronavirus pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The players from 36 professional football teams (n = 977) among Turkish Super League and First League teams were invited to complete a questionnaire including the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Impact of Event Scale-Revised Scores (IES-R) and short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

RESULTS

The online survey was completed by 237 players (24.3%). The mean number of self-quarantine day of participants was 26.9 ± 6.2 days. The median CES-D Scale and IES-R scores were 6.0 (min:0, max:42) and 23.0 (min:0, max:59), respectively. IPAQ scores of the players showed that four-fifths of the players still maintain high physical activity levels. There were negative, very weak and significant correlations between CES-D score and being married (r = -0.146, p = 0.024), as well as between CES-D score and IPAQ-Walking (r = -0.189, p = 0.004). A significant positive very weak correlation was observed between CES-D score and self-quarantine days (r = 0.148, p = 0.024). IPAQ-Walking was an independent predictor of CES-D.

CONCLUSION

These findings support that maintaining regular physical activity and routinely exercising in a safe home environment is one of the most important strategies to ensure healthy mental state.