THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE TREATMENT OF HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS – A LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction: The root cause of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, is still not fully understood. HT has a multipronged influence on the general health condition, especially because the thyroid regulates the overall metabolism of an organism. Disruption of such a balance may result in weight gain and weakening of the muscles, and eventually resignation from any kind of physical activity. Objective: This work aims to review the current knowledge regarding the extent to which physical activity may play a role in the treatment of HT. Methods: Literature review of PubMed and Google Scholar. Conclusions: Although pharmacological treatment with levothyroxine remains the foundation of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) management, current evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) may play a supportive role in improving both thyroid function and overall quality of life. Regular and appropriately structured exercise appears to have beneficial effects on hormone levels, immune function, and common symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and reduced physical capacity. Findings indicate that not all forms of physical activity are equally effective. Voluntary, planned, and restorative exercise (RE) is associated with more favourable outcomes compared to occupational physical activity (OPA), which may exert additional stress on the body and worsen certain thyroid-related parameters. Future studies should focus on identifying the most effective exercise modalities and intensities, as well as their long-term impact on autoimmune activity and disease progression.