Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey.
School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey.
J Endocrinol Invest. 2019 Jul;42(7):779-785. doi: 10.1007/s40618-018-0981-2. Epub 2018 Nov 19.
Physical activity is associated with many health-related benefits. However, there is a shift towards inactive lifestyles around the world. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) may have adverse effects similar to hypothyroidism. The presence of symptoms and reduced physical performance in SCH may contribute to an inactive lifestyle. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare physical activity levels (PALs) between women with subclinical hypothyroidism and healthy controls.
Thirty-two women with newly diagnosed SCH and 28 healthy women were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by pulse wave velocity (PWV). Neuromuscular symptoms were questioned. Participants wore a physical activity monitor (SenseWear Armband) for 4 consecutive days. Handgrip and quadriceps muscle strength were assessed by dynamometer. Functional exercise capacity was assessed by 6-minute walk test (6MWT).
There was no significant difference in sociodemographic variables between the groups. PWV was significantly higher in the SCH group (P = 0.006). Physical activity duration and number of steps were significantly lower in the SCH group (P < 0.05). There was significant difference in neuromuscular symptoms, handgrip and quadriceps muscle strength, and 6MWT distance between the groups (P < 0.05).
This study demonstrates that women with SCH had lower PALs compared to healthy controls. Women with SCH should participate in exercise programs to increase physical activity and muscle strength to achieve adequate PALs.
身体活动与许多健康相关益处相关。然而，世界各地的生活方式正朝着不活跃的方向转变。亚临床甲状腺功能减退症（SCH）可能具有类似于甲状腺功能减退症的不良影响。SCH 患者出现症状和身体机能下降，可能导致生活方式不活跃。因此，本研究旨在比较亚临床甲状腺功能减退症女性和健康对照组之间的身体活动水平（PAL）。
本横断面研究纳入了 32 名新诊断为 SCH 的女性和 28 名健康女性。通过脉搏波速度（PWV）评估动脉僵硬度。询问神经肌肉症状。参与者佩戴身体活动监测器（SenseWear 臂带）连续 4 天。通过测力计评估握力和股四头肌力量。通过 6 分钟步行试验（6MWT）评估功能运动能力。
两组在社会人口统计学变量方面无显著差异。SCH 组的 PWV 显著升高（P=0.006）。SCH 组的身体活动持续时间和步数明显较低（P<0.05）。两组之间的神经肌肉症状、握力和股四头肌力量以及 6MWT 距离存在显著差异（P<0.05）。
本研究表明，与健康对照组相比，SCH 女性的 PAL 较低。SCH 女性应参加运动计划以增加身体活动和肌肉力量，从而达到足够的 PAL。
