Factors associated with vitamin D deficiency among patients with musculoskeletal disorders seeking physiotherapy intervention: a hospital-based observational study

Abstract

Background A considerable number of studies have suggested that there is a strong correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D or vitamin D levels and overall health, with reported impacts ranging from mental health and vital organ health to musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and identify its associated factors among patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) currently seeking medical attention. Methods A total of 143 patients with MSDs were randomly selected for blood sample collection to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to compute the adjusted odds ratio. Results Overall, 53.1% of patients had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent among patients with higher body mass index, a bachelor’s degree, lower sun exposure time, and lower serum calcium levels and those living in an urban setting. The multiple logistic regression model suggested that the duration of weekly sun exposure and living location were the independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion It is recommended for patients with MSDs to participate in routine physical exercise, consume calcium- and vitamin D-enriched foods, and have regular sun exposure for minimizing the risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Comparison of the effects of therapeutic exercise with either an educational booklet or vitamin-D3 supplement in the management of chronic low back pain: study protocol for an assessor blinded multicenter randomized clinical trial

“…There is an increasing concern of LBP and vitamin D deficiency for chronic pain suffers that is leading the working people towards disability and inefficiency to work. 5,9 A non-randomized quasi experimental study 10 found therapeutic exercise and vitamin D oral supplementation is effective to reduce pain, replenish vitamin D3 level with short term results. Our study will meet the necessity of randomized systematic evaluation of therapeutic exercises and vitamin D supplement compensation in two different approaches, either by sun exposure, nutrition and healthy lifestyle or by taking oral supplements.…”

“…The experimental group is the therapeutic exercise and booklet group because we assume a positive lifestyle and exercise can replace the role of oral medication supplement, as these were derived as a predictor in observational studies. 9 The methodological standard of the proposed trial adheres to the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) guidelines to ensure the rigor of the study. As this is a two tailed hypothesis, we assume any treatment can be superior or both may have similar effect.…”

“…This has led to increased number of LBP cases with insufficient serum vitamin D levels in Bangladesh; those with a sedentary lifestyle and obesity form the majority of suffers. 9 A quasi-experimental study shows that therapeutic exercise and vitamin D supplement can be a promising treatment to battle these LBP cases, 10 however the study didn't elaborate a specific protocol. Other studies suggest that aerobic exercise (low, moderate, high), stretching, balance, motor control exercises, core stability, coordination, muscular strength exercises, and flexibility programs are types of exercises that have significant outcome on LBP.…”

“…Therapeutic exercise and vitamin D supplements have been found to be effective for the Dhaka city dwellers in Bangladesh, 10 and creating an educational booklet can be a great solution to raising awareness of CLBP with vitamin D deficiency. 9 Educational booklets on exercise, sun exposure and healthy nutrition have proven to be promising in other studies. 14,15 From the researcher's knowledge, no study comparing the use of "vitamin D supplements" or "booklet education on sun exposure, nutrition and lifestyle" along with therapeutic exercise for CLBP cases has been done.…”

Musculoskeletal health complaints: A growing concern that should be investigated elaborately in Bangladesh

“…Musculoskeletal health complaints (MHC) were thought to be the problem of high-income settings; however, recent evidence suggested that low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are becoming the epicentre of MHC by pointing South-East Asia region, with 369 million cases by the latest World Health Organization (WHO) has reported [ 1 ]. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 found that MHC is the leading cause of disability that affects 1.7 billion people globally [ 2 , 3 ]. Lower back pain (LBP) and neck pain ranked first and fourth among the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years, respectively, and older adults with neck and back pain die sooner than those without.…”