Effect of Hypovitaminosis D on Muscle Function and Physical Performance in Saudi Women‐Cross sectional

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND AIMSVitamin D deficiency is associated with reduced muscle strength. Data on the effect of poor vitamin D status on physical performance in Saudi women are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between vitamin D level and measures of physical performance.METHODSA total of 223 postmenopausal [>;51 years] healthy women were randomly recruited. Fasting blood samples were collected for assessment of 25(OH)D status. Muscle function was assessed by the time taken to perform the following tests: get up and go (GUG); 8 feet walk (8FW); five‐times sit to stand (5‐STS). SPSS (version 16) was used for data analysis.RESULTS & DISCUSSION39% of women were < 25nmol/L, 77% < 50 nmol/L, and 95% < 75 nmol/L. A significant negative correlation was found between 25(OH)D and GUG (P<0.05). After adjusting for key confounding factors including BMI the correlation disappeared. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between vitamin D level and measures of physical performance adjusting for potential confounders. Vitamin D level was not among the predictors of physical performance measures in this study group.CONCLUSIONThese data suggest that low vitamin D status is not associated with poor physical performance and may be a reflection of muscle adaptation to prolonged, life‐cycle of hypovitaminosis D.