Effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined training on thyroid function and quality of life in hypothyroidism. A randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercises on thyroid function, lipid profile, exercise capacity, and quality of life (QoL) in hypothyroid women. Sixty women aged 35 to 45 with clinical hypothyroidism were randomized to four equal groups: aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), combined AT/RT, and control groups. All exercises were performed at low to moderate intensity, three days per week, and for 12 weeks. Patients in all groups were on levothyroxine therapy. Outcome measures were free thyroxin (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), lipid profile, estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and QoL assessed by the 12-item Short Form (SF-12) Health Survey. All exercise groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures compared to the baseline and the controls (p