Motor function is associated with 1,25(OH)2D and indices of insulin-glucose dynamics in non-diabetic older adults

Background Advancing age is accompanied by changes in metabolic characteristics, such as reduced insulin sensitivity and low levels of vitamin D, which may exacerbate age-related declines in physical function. Aims The aim of the present study was to determine the associations between insulin-glucose dynamics, vitamin D metabolites, and performance on a battery of motor tasks in healthy, non-diabetic older adults. Methods Sixty-nine community-dwelling men and women (65-90 years) were recruited. Insulin-glucose dynamics were determined by an intravenous glucose tolerance test, and vitamin D metabolites were measured. Motor function was characterized by the time to walk 500 m, chair-rise time, lower body strength, dorsiflexor steadiness and endurance time, and muscle coactivation. Results Significant unadjusted correlations were found between insulin-glucose dynamics and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D] with walk time, strength, steadiness, endurance time, and muscle activation (p < 0.05). A significant amount of the variance in walking endurance was explained by the sex of the individual, 1,25(OH)(2)D, and fasting blood insulin (R-2 = 0.36, p < 0.001). Strength could be partially explained by age, body fatness, and fasting glucose (R-2 = 0.55, p < 0.001). Discussion Poor motor function in non-diabetic older men and women was associated with indices of insulin-glucose dynamics and the bio-active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)(2)D. Walking endurance and strength were explained by 1,25(OH)(2)D and fasting blood glucose and insulin, even after adjusting for age, sex, and body fat. Conclusion Motor function in a relatively small sample of non-diabetic older men and women was associated with metabolic factors that increase in prevalence with aging.