Vitamin D and Physical Activity for Prevention of Sarcopenia in Osteoporosis

Ageing is associated with changes in body composition and due to the ageing of the populations and the lessened physical activity (PA), sarcopenia and osteopenia /osteoporosis are emerging as major health concerns. Lack of PA is a significant risk factor for sarcopenia. Vitamin D plays an important role on bone and muscle development.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and to evaluate the effectiveness of PA and vitamin D supplementation in enhancing muscle mass and strength in community-dwelling older adults with osteopenia /osteoporosis.\ One hundred and forty-five individuals aged 65 years and above with documented osteopenia/osteoporosis were scanned for sarcopenia (defined as a relative skeletal muscle index (appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by height) below 5.45 kg/m2). The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Group 1-PA and vitamin D (n= 38), Group 2-PA(n=36), Group 3-vitamin D (n= 36) or Group 4-healthy lifestyle(n =35) for 16 weeks. The PA group received a 60-minute 3-day/week exercise programme, the vitamin D group received oral cholecalciferol 2000 IU/day and the control group was provided with health education using videotaped presentations, physician talks on topics concerning bone and muscle health. Body composition was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Vitamin D levels were measured by Liaison immunoassay. PA was measured using the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire. Physical performance was assessed using upper limb grip strength, walking speed and knee extension strength. All data was collected at baseline and at 4 months.