Dyslexia: oral and written language disorder. A new look at old links.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to systematically evaluate the impact of exercise interventions on reproductive endocrine profiles in adult patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using a three-level meta-analytical approach.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and Embase for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of exercise on reproductive endocrine profiles in PCOS patients, spanning from database inception through April 7, 2026. A three-level meta-analysis was conducted in R using a random-effects model fitted via restricted maximum likelihood (REML). Effect sizes were quantified as Hedges' g with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Global heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q test, and the robustness of results was verified through leave-one-out sensitivity analyses. Model fit was compared using likelihood ratio tests (LRT). Publication bias was scrutinized via Egger's test, with the trim-and-fill method employed as a corrective measure where necessary. Methodological quality was appraised using the PEDro scale, and the certainty of evidence was graded via the GRADE profiler.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies involving 1,018 participants were synthesized. Exercise interventions significantly lowered testosterone levels (g = -0.34; 95% CI [-0.61 to -0.07]; P = 0.0146). Subgroup analysis revealed that the "aerobic exercise" group was statistically significant (k = 14, g = -0.5120, 95% CI [-0.8230 to -0.2010], P = 0.0027). The mean body mass index (BMI) "25 to 29.9" group was also statistically significant (k = 17, g = -0.4859, 95% CI [-0.7775 to -0.1943], P = 0.0025), as was the mean age group of "26 to 30 years old" (k = 13, g = -0.4878, 95% CI [-0.8465 to -0.1290], P = 0.0105).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, exercise interventions exert a favorable impact on serum testosterone (T) levels in adult patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

OTHER: PROSPERO (registration no. CRD420251108464; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/).