Hyperthyroidism is associated with a general muscle weakness, which is part of the initial clinical manifestation of about 80% of patients. The recovery of skeletal muscle performance during hyperthyroidism treatment depends on both greater muscle mass and improved muscle function. Strength training is an effective method to improve muscle strength and endurance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of this type of training on the recovery of the skeletal muscle function of patients with hyperthyroidism. Patients referred to the Endocrinology Out-Patient Clinic with clinical diagnosis and laboratory confirmation of Grave's disease were submitted, before the treatment and 4 months later, to anthropometric measurements and determination of maximal static strength and endurance (sustaining 30% of the maximal force) of four movements [left handgrip (LH), right handgrip (RH), legpress (LEG), ankle plantar flexion (APF) and supine benchpress (SP)]. After the first evaluation, the patients were divided into two groups: 1) control (CG- drug treatment) and 2) training (TG- added individualized strength training twice a week). Results (CG, n=3; TG, n=4; all women) showed: <img src="/img/revistas/rbme/v7n1/a04tab02.gif"> The authors concluded that strength training seems to favor an increase in skeletal muscle mass and performance in patients with hyperthyroidism.
Body composition; Skeletal muscle function; Hyperthyroidism
