Does Vitamin D Level Affect Grip Strength: a Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Abstract

Although there is increasing evidence about the role of vitamin D on muscle function, its relationship with grip strength is still a controversial issue. The aim of this cross-sectional clinical study was to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and grip strength in premenopausal Turkish women. Materials and Methods: A total of 127 women with an age range of 40-50 (44.7±4.3) years who were premenopausal and sedentary were included in this cross-sectional descriptive study. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.2±5.3 kg/m 2. Dominant and nondominant grip strengths were measured by digital hand dynamometer. Results: The mean dominant and nondominant grip strengths were 24.2±5.9 kg and 22.5±5.7 kg, respectively. Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration was 16.4±9.7 ng/ml. Participants were divided into three groups as vitamin D deficiency (70.9%), insufficiency (18.1%), and sufficiency (11.0%). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups with respect to age, BMI, and dominant and nondominant grip strengths (p>0.05). Furthermore, no significant relationship was found between serum 25OHD concentration and dominant and nondominant grip strengths (p>0.05). In addition, BMI was not associated with dominant and nondominant grip strengths (p>0.05). Conclusion: These results of this study provide evidence that vitamin D is not effective on grip strength at least in premenopausal Turkish women.