Endocrine Abstracts

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of complex food supplement with calcium and vitamins D₃ and B₆ intake on muscle strength and balance function during 1-year follow-up after rehabilitation course in patients with osteoporosis and high fracture risk

Methods: The study comprised 119 men and women aged 50–80 y.o. with established osteoporosis or high probability of major osteoporotic fracture by FRAX model initiating 3-week course of rehabilitation. 41 patients who had already received anti–resorptive therapy were included in the Studied group 1 (SG1), and 78 patients who were never previously treated with anti–osteoporotic medication were randomized in SG2 (n = 39) or SG3 (n = 39). The food supplement containing Vitamin D₃ 30 mg, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride 4 mg, Calcium Citrate 320 mg and HDBA organic complex 400 mg in daily dosage was administered to patients in SG1 and SG2 for 12 months. Changes in dynamometry and balance tests were assessed after 3 weeks, and in 6 and 12 months as follow–up.

Results: Achieved higher levels of muscle strength during the rehabilitation course were maintained for up to 12 months in the back extensors and flexors in SG1 and SG2, and up to 6 months in the lateral back flexors in SG1 (P > 0.05 vs 3 weeks). The effect of medical rehabilitation completely disappeared in SG3 after 6 months (P < 0.05 vs 3 weeks). Improved vs baseline stabilometry data in balance coefficient and pressure center deviation speed were registered in SG1 and SG2 in 6 and 12 months (P > 0.05 vs 3 weeks). Achieved during rehabilitation positive result of balance control measured with One-leg-standing test was maintained only in SG1 for 12 months (P > 0.05 vs 3 weeks), but it significantly (P < 0.05) worsened in SG3 at follow-up.

Conclusion: Long–term intake of food supplements containing calcium with vitamins D₃ and B₆ can help to maintain the effect of rehabilitation on muscle strength and balance in patients with osteoporosis and a high risk of fractures.