The Effect of SPU on Hormonal and Cardiometabolic Factors
The Effect of SPU on Hormonal and Cardiometabolic Factors
The study examines the immediate effect of soleus pushup exercise on cardiometabolic and hormonal functions among hypothyroid patients.
The primary characteristic of hypothyroidism is sluggish metabolism, which is usually associated with abnormal weight gain, lethargy, constipation, heavy menstrual bleeding, hair loss, cold intolerance, and bradycardia. Importantly, these symptoms have been linked to reduced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity though glucose turnover and plasma insulin concentration are elevated. These metabolic changes result in hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and elevated insulin resistance, and circulatory low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total triglyceride levels. Hormonal replacement therapy, the primary treatment for hypothyroidism, partially restores the thyroid function and tappers down the disease symptoms. However, the therapy is associated a plethora of side effects, thus alternative therapies are warranted.
The effect of exercise on thyroid function and metabolism among patients with hypothyroidism is still equivocal. The soleus pushup exercise, a localized exercise that stimulates mainly oxidative metabolism, has been shown to have promising, favorable changes in systemic metabolism. Therefore, the current study compares metabolic and hormonal responses to soleus pushup exercise in patients with hypothyroidism versus healthy controls.
Patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism are recruited to participate in the study. Cardiovascular and circulatory, metabolic, and hormonal measures are determined from blood samples obtained from the patients. Age- and gender-matched healthy individuals are recruited to serve as controls.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: