The effect of serum vitamin D level and bone mineral density on balance and the risk of falling in postmenopausal women

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bone mineral density and vitamin D level on the risk of falling and balance in postmenopausal women.Methods: The age ranged from 44 to 67 (57.25±7.27) years, 133 postmenopausal women were enrolled. Age, height, weight, socio-demographic information, history of falling and fracture in last year, risk factors for osteoporosis, and menopause duration were recorded. Serum 25OHD3 level and bone mineral density (BMD) of participants were measured. Postural balance function and the risk of falling were evaluated by time-up and go test (TUG), and Berg balance scale (BBS). Patients were divided into 4 groups; group 1: low vitamin D and osteoporosis, group 2: only low vitamin D, group 3: only osteoporotic, group 4: normal. Results: There was significant difference between the groups according to TUG (p<0.001). There were significant differences between group 1 and 2, group 1 and 4, group 3 and 4 (each, p= 0.001). There was significant difference between the groups according to BBS (p<0.001). Significant differences were found between group 1 and 2, group 1 and 4, group 2 (each, p<0.001) and 3 (p= 0.002), group 3 and 4 (p<0.001). There were negative correlations between TUG, L1-L4 and femoral neck BMD (r=-0.488, p<0.001 and r =-0.462, p<0.001, respectively). There were positive correlations between BBS, L1-L4 and femoral neck BMD (r=-0.488, p<0.001 and r=-0.462, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: We concluded that whereas vitamin D level had no effect on balance and the risk of falling, whereas osteoporosis had effects both on balance and risk of falling. Key words: Vitamin D, bone mineral density, balance, risk of fallin