Long-Term Effects Of Vitamin D Deficiency On Gait And Balance In The Older Adults

Abstract 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( 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 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.