Abstract
[Purpose] To evaluate the association between Vitamin D and risk of falling, balance, and lower extremity neuromuscular function in women aged 60 and above by using Tetrax posturography. [Subjects and Methods] A total 200 women were classified based on their 25-OH-vitamin D (25(OH)D) values: hypo-vitaminosis group (less than 50.0 nmol/l) and normal group (50.0 more). Balance was measured using a Tetrax(®) posturography device (Sunlight Medical Ltd, Israel). Falling risk, stability index (SI), and weight distribution index (WDI) were calculated. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used as the clinical tests. [Results] Standing balance, gait, chair stand performance and total SPPB scores were significantly better in the patients with serum 25(OH)D levels higher than 50.0 nmol/l. Similarly, falling risk and SI values in the most of the postures were significantly higher in the hypovitaminosis group. There were significant associations between serum 25(OH)D levels with SPPB total score and Tetrax-measured falling risk. [Conclusion] This study showed better balance control, lower extremity function, and reduced falling risk in patients with serum 25(OH)D levels higher than 50.0 nmol/l in women aged 60 and above.