Association of Vitamin D Levels and Handgrip Strength among Patients with Hypothyroidism: A Cross-sectional Study Design

Abstract

Introduction: There is a notable association between hypothyroidism and reduced muscle function as well as compromised neuromuscular coordination. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential link between Vitamin D and handgrip strength (HGS) in patients with hypothyroidism. Methods: The study involved 40 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism while excluding individuals with hypothyroid medications, cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, neurological, reproductive disorders, hand anomalies, Parkinson’s disease, and Vitamin D supplementation. They were evaluated for T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, HGS, and serum Vitamin D levels; triceps fold was measured using a Lange caliper, and a correlation between these variables was assessed. Results: The mean age of the study group was 39.95 ± 6.41 years, with the majority falling in the age group of 41–50 years. A female preponderance (70%) was observed among the study group. The mean value for Vitamin D and HGS was 14.69 ± 6.12 ng/ml and 19.65 ± 5.38 kg, respectively. The mean values for T3, T4, and TSH were 47.23 ± 14.56 ng/dl, 5.86 ± 2.12 μg/dl, and 18.28 ± 7.64 mIU/ml, respectively. A robust, significant positive correlation was found between HGS and Vitamin D (r = 0.42, P 0.01). No significant correlation was observed between Vitamin D and T4, TSH, and triceps fold. A moderate negative correlation was observed for TSH and BMI but was insignificant (r = −0.27, P > 0.05). Conclusion: A strong, significant positive correlation was found between HGS and Vitamin D, while BMI showed moderate positive correlations. No significant correlation was found between Vitamin D, T4, TSH, or triceps fold.

Keywords

• hypothyroidism
• handgrip strength
• subclinical hypothyroidism
• vitamin d