Effect of ultraviolet on Vitamin D and quality of life in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Introduction. To determine the influence of ultraviolet radiation on vitamin d plasma levels and quality of life in postmenopausal women with vitamin d deficiency. Methods. in a single-blinded randomized controlled trial design, 30 postmenopausal women were chosen suffering from a progressive, generalized muscle weakness, associated with decrease in physical function and poor quality of life. The subjects were aged 45-65 years and were randomly assigned into group A, treated by ultraviolet radiation in addition to regular aerobic exercises; and group B, receiving solely aerobic exercises. All participants had 3 sessions per week for 3 months. outcome measures determined before and after the 3 months of intervention were vitamin d level and the results of the short form (SF-36) of a specific quality of life questionnaire. Results. A significant increase in vitamin d was observed along with an improvement in quality of life in group A compared with group B after the treatment period. Conclusions. The 12-week program of ultraviolet radiation in addition to regular aerobic exercises yielded more improvement in vitamin d and quality of life than aerobic exercises alone in the management of postmenopausal chronic musculoskeletal disorders.