Long-term effects of vitamin D deficiency on gait and balance in the older adults.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Vitamin D deficiency is a public health problem. The resulting data showed that vitamin D is associated not only with calcium homeostasis, skeletal muscle health, but also with some chronic diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate long-term effects of vitamin D deficiency on gait-balance parameters in older adults.

METHODS

370 patients who applied to the geriatric outpatient clinic three times at six-months intervals and underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), were retrospectively screened. Patients, whose sociodemographic characteristics, systemic diseases and laboratory findings were reviewed, were divided into 3 groups according to basal serum 25-hydroxy D vitamin [25(OH)D] level: Group 1 (<10 ng/mL), Group 2 (10-20 ng/mL), Group 3 (≥20 ng/mL). The balance-gait performance of patients, the 25(OH)D level of whom reached to the sufficient level at the end of 12th month, was compared to other patients by the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) scale.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics and systemic diseases were similar in the groups except for education (p > 0.05). At baseline, Group 1 had lower Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADL), POMA balance and total score (p < 0.05). At the end of 12th month, POMA balance and total scores improved in the Group 1 patients who reached a sufficient 25(OH)D level, however these scores failed to catch Group 3 (p < 0.05). The basal, 6th and 12th month evaluations of three groups showed that mean POMA balance, gait and total scores were better in patients whose 25(OH)D level was ≥20 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D replacement, especially to severe deficient patients, may improve balance and gait functions in older adults. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency should be screened routinely and treated effectively.