Abstract
Introduction
Exercise has recently gained interest in managing hypothyroidism associated impairments. So, the objective of this research was to assess and contrast the effects of aerobic, resistance and a combination of both exercise regimens on depressive symptoms and sleep quality in women with managed hypothyroidism.
Material and methods
A total of sixty women, ranging in age from 35 to 45, with controlled hypothyroidism associated with depression, and sleep problems were randomly assigned to four equally sized groups: aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE), combined AE/RE, and a control group. They engaged in low to moderate intensity workouts, three times each week, during a span of 12 weeks, while also undergoing levothyroxine therapy. Outcome measures included depression assessed through Beck depression inventory II (BDI-II) and the sleep quality evaluated using Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI).
Results
The BDI-II and PSQI showed significant improvements in all exercise groups in comparison to the first measurements and the non-exercising group (p < 0.05). Significantly, The AE/RE group demonstrated greater improvements in both outcomes as compared with the AE and RE groupings (p<0.05).
Conclusions
In well-managed hypothyroid women, AE, RE, and combined AE/RE can improve depression and sleep quality. However, the combined AE/RE can induce the greatest improvements in both measures.