The Relationship Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Physical Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for musculoskeletal health in older adults. While many studies have explored the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and fractures, few have examined the relationship between vitamin D and physical performance. We, therefore, sought to evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and physical performance in community-dwelling older adults.

A single-center, cross-sectional study was performed using data collected from 132 individuals aged 60 years or older who were living independently and who participated in the National Health Insurance Service health check-up between May and December 2016. Physical performance was assessed using a short physical performance battery (SPPB). Linear regression was used to examine the association between 25(OH)D levels and physical performance after adjustment for sociodemographic variables, behavioral characteristics, and body mass index.

Approximately 36.5% of male and 50.7% of females had vitamin D levels indicative of deficiency (serum 25(OH)D <20.0 ng/mL). 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with the chair stand SPPB scores in male and females but not with those of the walking and balance tests. After adjustment for potential confounders, there remained a linear association between 25(OH)D levels and the chair stand test for both sexes.

Lower serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with poor physical performance (chair stand score) among community-dwelling older adults in Korea. Further prospective studies are needed to verify these results.