The Effect of a Whole Body Vibration Course on Depression, Serotonin and Norepinephrine Indices in Postmenopausal Women with Hypothyroidism

 hypothyroidism in addition to menopause has a double effect on depression in postmenopausal women, and sports activity improves mood by increasing neurotransmitters. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a period of whole body vibration course on depression, the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine indices in postmenopausal women with hypothyroidism.

In this semi experimental study, 20 postmenopausal women with hypothyroidism aged 46 to 57 were selected from Khorramabad city and divided into two groups of 10: control (C) and whole body vibration training (V). Group V performed these exercises for 12 weeks and three times a week, with a frequency of 30 to 50 Hz, with a range of 1 to 2 mm, applying 20 to 30 minutes of vibration and 5 to 15 minutes of upper and lower limb training. At the beginning and end of the study, blood serum serotonin and norepinephrine levels were measured using the ELISA method, depression was measured using the Beck questionnaire, body fat percentage, body mass index, and body weight. Due to the normality of data distribution, independent t and covariance statistical methods were used for analysis at a significance level of 0.05.

12 weeks of whole body vibration training in group V significantly increased the serum levels of serotonin (P=0.001), norepinephrine (P=0.001) and decreased depression (P=0.018) compared to the control group. There was also a significant decrease in body fat percentage (P=0.041), body mass index (P=0.044) and weight (P=0.047).

 It seems that vibration training may reduce depression in postmenopausal women with hypothyroidism by increasing serum serotonin and norepinephrine levels.