Impact of home-based physical exercises and diet management on functional performance and depression among Vitamin D deficient females

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the impact of different interventions on depression and functional performance in females with vitamin D3 deficiency, a condition found to be two to three times more prevalent in women and associated with various symptoms. Methods: A total of 120 women were randomly assigned to four equal groups; Group A had a home exercise regimen, sun exposure, and vitamin D3 supplement; Group B had a diet, sun exposure, and vitamin D3 supplement; Group C received sun exposure and a vitamin D3 supplement; and Group D received no intervention. Results: Over the study period, significant improvements were observed in Groups A, B, and C compared to Group D. These included increases in vitamin D3 levels and improved physical function, measured by the 6-minute walk test (p < 0.05), and reductions in depression and dyspnea, measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and Dyspnea Borg Scale respectively (p < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that Groups A and B had greater reductions in depression scores than Group C (p < 0.01), though no significant difference was observed between Groups A and B (p > 0.05). Group A also showed a significantly greater improvement in dyspnea scores compared to Groups B and C (p < 0.01), while there was no difference between Groups B and C in this regard (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Therapeutic methods affected depression and functional performance in females with vitamin D3 deficiency, but exercise combined with Vitamin D3 supplement was more effective.