Abstract
Vitamin D has been shown to benefit a diverse range of health functions including
muscle function. The aim of the present study was to identify serum 25(OH)D3
levels in a sample of adolescent dancers and compare them to muscle function and
injury incidence. We incorporated a cross-sectional design to study 49
pre-professional male and female dancers (17±4.44 yrs,
52.1±6.72 kg, 1.63±0.07 m) in full-time training
in Bazil. Serum 25[OH]D3 was analyzed by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay;
quadriceps and hamstring peak torque and muscle fatigue were measured by
isokinetic dynamometer at 60 and 300° s−1.
Injury type and location in the previous 6-months were determined by self-report
questionnaire. Participants were categorized into 2 groups: normal or
insufficient/deficient (>or<30 ng/ml
25[OH]D3). Results indicated the normal serum 25[OH]D3 group had significantly
lower fatigue rates than the insufficient/deficient group
(p<0.05) but not for the other muscle function parameters. Fifty-seven
percent of participants reported at least 1 injury. The most common were sprains
(33%) and tendinopathies (19%). Injured dancers had
significantly lower peak torque at 60°/s. The link between serum
25[OH]D3 and reduced muscle fatigue resistance has not been shown before, though
the underlying mechanisms aren’t apparent and the link between muscular
strength and injury has been previously evidenced.
Key words
muscle - serum 25(oh)d - fatigue - dance - muscle strength - power