ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between serum levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D and the hand-grip strength and balance ability of women in Sichuan, China.MethodsA cross-sectional study on a representative sample of 1 095 women aged 29-95 yr. in Sichuan Province was undertaken. Their hand-grip strength and balance ability were assessed using a hand-held dynamometer and the short physical performance battery (SPPB), respectively. The participants were divided into four groups according to the level of serum 25(OH)D:sufficient (>75 nmol/L), insufficient (51-75 nmol/L), deficiency (25-50 nmol/L), and serious deficiency (2D with hand-grip strength and physical performance.ResultsAbout 70.9% of the participants had vitamin D deficiency. Those with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency were more likely to reside in a higher latitudinal area (PP=0.013), and take less vitamin D supplements (PP=0.001) and were more likely to have ≤ 50 nmol/L 25(OH)D than their younger counterparts (74.6% vs. 68.9%,P=0.046). However, no significant age differences were found in serum 1,25(OH)2D. Serum levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were not found to be associated with hand-grip strength and balance ability after adjusting for confounding factors. Hand-grip strength and balance ability decreased with age (OR=1.066,POR=1.111,POR=0.958,POR=0.896,P=0.001) and longer walking time (OR=0.799,P=0.001) were associated with higher balance ability.ConclusionSerum levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D are not associated with hand-grip strength and balance ability.
