A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF ISOMETRIC AND ISOTONIC EXERCISE ON THYROID PROFILE OF PATIENT HAVING SUBCLINICAL THYROID DYSFUNCTION
Main Article Content
Keywords
Thyroid dysfunction, Subclinical hypothyroidism, Subclinical hyperthyroidism, Isotonic exercise, Isometric exercise.
Abstract
Metabolism and energy balance are centrally regulated via thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH). Subclinical thyroid dysfunction can be characterized in terms of abnormal TSH along with normal T3 and T4 levels. It is increasingly more common especially within women and within older adults. While pharmacological management is standard, nonpharmacological interventions such as exercise may improve thyroid profiles and delay hormone replacement therapy.
Objective: To evaluate and compare the effects of isotonic (dynamic) and isometric (static) exercise on thyroid hormone profiles (T3, T4, and TSH) in patients with subclinical thyroid dysfunction.
Methods: This study included 50 patients (aged 21–55 years) diagnosed with subclinical thyroid dysfunction at LLRM Medical College, Meerut. Participants were randomized into two groups: Group A performed isotonic exercise (20–30 min daily), and Group B performed isometric exercise (20–30 min daily), both for 30 days. Thyroid function tests (serum T3, T4, TSH) were measured at rest and post-intervention. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests.
Results: The result suggest patients with subclinical thyroid dysfunction, both isotonic and isometric forms of exercise produced a significant rise in serum T₃ and T₄ concentrations compared to the resting state, whereas changes in TSH levels were statistically insignificant.
Conclusion: Isotonic exercise is more effective than isometric exercise in improving thyroid hormone regulation, enhancing T3 and T4, and reducing TSH in patients with subclinical thyroid dysfunction. Incorporating isotonic exercise into lifestyle modification strategies may serve as a valuable adjunct therapy in thyroid disorder management, while isometric training can play a supplementary role in maintaining muscle strength.
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