Date of Award
2015
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not vitamin D supplement is effective in improving physical performance in older patients with heart failure over the age 50 years
STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, two published in 2010 and one was published in 2013.
DATA SOURCES: Two double blind randomized controlled trials (RCT) and one cross-sectional study that investigated the use of vitamin D in improving physical performance in heart failure. Sources were selected and found using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured were improvement of physical performance, and associations among muscle strength, health status measures, and serum vitamin D. Tools used to measure were, a 6 minute walk distance test (6MWD), timed get up and go test (TGUG), isokinetic muscle testing.
RESULTS: The results of two RCT studies Boxer et al. (2013) and Witham et al. (2013) supported that vitamin D does not improve physical performance. The Boxer et al. (2010) cross-sectional study showed no association among serum vitamin D concentration, muscle strength, and health status. Boxer et al. (2013) and Witham et al. (2013) demonstrated that the 6MWD test and TGUG test did not improve with physical activity.
CONCLUSION: The results of the RCT’s and the cross-sectional study reviewed; suggest that Vitamin D does not improve the physical performance of older adults with heart failure. This topic does warrant additional research. Further studies conducted should include more frequent, lower doses of vitamin D and examine the results for a longer period of time. The effects of sun-exposure on vitamin D concentration and improvement of physical activity also should be investigated.
Recommended Citation
Yazdani, Sahba, "Is Vitamin D Supplementation Effective in Improving Physical Performance in Older Patients With Heart Failure Who Are Over the Age of 50 Years?" (2015). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 257.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/257