Effect of Pilates Versus Aerobic Exercises on Depression and Functional Capacity in Women with Hypothyroidism

Samy El Soffar, Mayada; Ali AbdElhaseeb, Gehad; Salama Soliman Nomier, Ahmed; Ezzat Obayaa, Hany

doi:10.21608/niles.2023.247082.1079

Effect of Pilates Versus Aerobic Exercises on Depression and Functional Capacity in Women with Hypothyroidism

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Idko Central Hospital, Damanhour, Egypt.

² Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

³ Consultant Internal Medicine Alexandria University Ministry of Health, Egypt.

10.21608/niles.2023.247082.1079

Abstract

Background: Numerous symptoms of hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, include fatigue, joint discomfort, heart palpitations, and sadness. Additionally, hypothyroidism slows down metabolism in general, increasing a person's risk of weight gain. Exercise helps increase muscle mass and cardiovascular health while easing many hypothyroidism symptoms.

Objective: This research examines the influence of Pilates and aerobic exercise on depression, life' quality, and functional capacity in women diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

Methods: Sixty adult women with a history of controlled primary hypothyroidism were randomly subdivided into three groups (A, B, C ). Group(A)(n=25) received Pilates in addition to medication and nutritional advice, Group(B) (n=25) received aerobic exercises in addition to medication and nutritional advice. Group(C), the control group (n=10), received medication and nutritional advices only. The assessment of functional capacity involved the measurement of the 6-minute Walk Distance, quality of life was assessed by the SF-36 scale, and depression was evaluated by Primary care Screening Questionnaire for Depression PSQ4D.

Results: 6-minute Walk Distance and SF-36 scale significantly elevated (p≤ 0.05), and primary care screening questionnaire for depression (p≤ 0.05), the scores of the three groups exhibited a significant decrease when compared to the baseline. The results of the inter-group comparison proved that both group A and group B exhibited significantly greater scores compared to group C in relation to the final 36-Item Short Form Survey scale, 6-minute Walk Distance, and primary care screening questionnaire for depression.

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