The Impact of Physical Activity on Thyroid Health: Insights From Representative Data in Korea
Authors' conclusion
The present study found an association between thyroid function and moderate PA. Therefore, moderate-intensity PA should be recommended to improve thyroid function.
Study context
- Population
- Participants of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2015, excluding abnormal thyroid function test, restricted activity or previous thyroid disease
- Participants
- 5,372 participants
- Exposure
- High vs moderate vs low physical activity
- Outcome
- Thyroid function (free T4, TSH) and TPOAb
Methodological detailsnationally representative data
- Nationally representative data
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Free T4 was lowest in the low physical activity (PA) group; TSH not significantly different among groups
- Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) titers increased in the order moderate PA, low PA, high PA
- After adjustment, moderate PA was associated with a high T4 level and a significant decrease in TSH and TPOAb
- No significant changes in free T4, TSH or TPOAb titer with high PA
- Adjusted for confounding factors
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Subanalysis: females
- Females with moderate PA showed a significant decrease in TSH and TPOAb
Insulin sensitivity
- Insulin sensitivity increased with moderate PA in both males and females
Subgroup: obese participants
- TSH negatively correlated with PA; free T4 decreased with low PA
Sensitivity to thyroid hormone
- Sensitivity to thyroid hormone did not differ
Original publication
The Impact of Physical Activity on Thyroid Health: Insights From Representative Data in Korea. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published 15 April 2024. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →