The relationship between balance and vitamin 25(OH)D in fibromyalgia patients

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disease characterized by diffuse pain of unknown cause, fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and sensitivity. Fibromyalgia was shown to be associated with balance problems and increased incidence of falls. There are many theoretical mechanisms related to the impact of vitamin D on postural control. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin 25(OH) D levels and pain, balance and daily activities in patients with FMS. Method: Patients aged 35-65 years who were diagnosed with FMS according to 1990 ACR diagnostic criteria were screened. Seventy patients diagnosed with FMS and 60 healthy controls with comparable age and gender were included in the study. Fibromyalgia impact scale (FIQ), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and visual analog scale (VAS) were applied to the subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups by vitamin 25(OH) D level being above or below 30 ng/ml. Results: A statistically significant difference was established between VAS, BBS value and all NHP sub-scale and NHP total values of FMS patients and those of healthy control group. The relationship between BBS and the level of vitamin 25(OH) D of all participants was investigated, a positive statistically significant relationship was found with Vit-D at r = 0.481 level (p<0.05). Conclusion:: It was observed that low vitamin D levels affected balance in both FMS group and healthy control group. It should be kept in mind that vitamin D level is likely to negatively affect balance and VAS values in FMS.