Effectiveness of physical exercise in reducing the symptoms in patients with hypothyroidism: a literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v8i18.1773Keywords:
hypothyroidism, symptoms, physical exerciseAbstract
Introduction: Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterized by reduced production of the hormones T3 and T4, causing a range of debilitating symptoms that significantly impact the quality of life of patients. The standard treatment involves hormone replacement with levothyroxine, however, in many cases, symptoms persist, indicating the need for complementary approaches. In this context, physical exercise has been identified as an effective intervention to improve both the physical and mental aspects of these patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of physical exercise as a complement to pharmacological treatment in managing hypothyroidism. Methodology: This is a literature review of studies that link physical exercise to the reduction of symptoms in patients with hypothyroidism, published in the last five years in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Polish. Twenty articles were selected through a data search based on a guiding question across the platforms Google Scholar, Virtual Health Library (BVS), and National Library of Medicine (PubMed). Results and Discussion: Regular physical exercise, especially aerobic and combined exercises, provided significant benefits. Among the main effects, the reduction in TSH levels, improvement in the modulation of T3 and T4 hormones, better weight control, increased muscular strength, and improvements in cardiorespiratory capacity stood out. Furthermore, exercise positively impacted mental health and cognitive functions, reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life. Combining physical exercise with pharmacological treatment showed superior results compared to isolated approaches, enhancing the management of the disease. Conclusion: Based on the studies reviewed, it can be concluded that physical exercise is an effective strategy to complement pharmacological treatment in patients with hypothyroidism, promoting both physical and psychological benefits.
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References
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