ECTS2016 Poster Presentations Muscle, physical activity and bone (14 abstracts)
1Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties and Dentistry, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy; 2Department of Mental Health and Preventive Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Background: Post-menopausal women generally present reduced serum levels of vitamin D, reduced VDR expression in skeletal muscle cells, and a gradual loss of muscle mass and muscle function. The relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D3] levels and muscle strength has been extensively investigated, even though there is no agreement in literature. Therefore, aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D on 25(OH)D3 levels, muscle strength, and physical performance in post-menopausal women, comparing calcifediol and cholecalciferol.
Material and methods: In this prospective study we included postmenopausal women, dividing them into two groups, according to the prescription performed (calcifediol or cholecalciferol). We evaluated at the baseline (T0) and after 6 months (T1): serum levels of 25(OH)D3, appendicular muscle strength, using the Hand Grip Strength Test (HGS) and the Knee Extensor Strength Test (KES), and physical performance, using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).
Results: We evaluated 205 post-menopausal women, mean aged 6928±916 years, 103 treated with calcifediol and 102 with cholecalciferol. In Table 1 we showed the results.
Calcifediol T0 (n=103) | Calcifediol T1 (n=103) | P values | |
25(OH)D3 (ng/ml) | 31.74±13.03 | 51.80±19.85 | <0.001 |
HGS (kg) | 15.54±6.65 | 18.29±3.85 | 0.014 |
KES (kg) | 14.49±6.92 | 17.05±5.62 | 0.050 |
SPPB | 8.41±3.32 | 9.70±2.14 | 0.008 |
Cholecalciferol T0 (n=102) | Cholecalciferol T1 (n=102) | P values | |
25(OH)D3 (ng/ml) | 35.15±11.57 | 40.28±13.04 | 0.118 |
HGS (kg) | 15,36±6.06 | 16.38±5.14 | 0.257 |
KES (kg) | 12.12±5.74 | 12.58±5.67 | 0.627 |
SPPB | 7.81±3.66 | 8.02±3.41 | 0.638 |
Results are expressed as means±S.D. Analysis was performed using a paired t-test. |
Conclusions: Our results showed that post-menopausal women treated with calcifediol had significant improvements in serum levels of 25(OH)D3, muscle strength, and physical performance.