journal articles
RELATION BETWEEN HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND VITAMIN D IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING ELDERLY
S.A. Abdul-Rahman, H.M.F. Wahba, A.K. Mortagy
J Aging Res Clin Practice 2013;2(4):387-391
Background: Grip strength is a predictor of morbidity, mortality and disability. Vitamin D deficiency is common in elderly and causes weakness in the proximal muscles. Objective: To assess the relationship between grip strength and vitamin D level in community-dwelling elderly. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Outpatient clinic of Ain Shams University Hospitals. Participants: Community dwelling elderly who are 60 years old or more were included. Measurements: Correlate serum 25(OH)D level to grip strength (using Baseline® pneumatic squeeze handheld dynamometer). Results: Low vitamin D level is associated with decreased grip strength independent of age, sex, type of occupation and body mass index. Vitamin D, age and sex all significantly affect grip strength. Conclusion: Low vitamin D, advancing age and female sex are all associated with lower grip strength.