Vitamin D3 supplementation enhances the effect of aerobic water-based training on physical fitness indices in obese and overweight menopausal women: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Obesity is associated with decreased physical performance, especially in older individuals. Some studies have examined the impact of exercise on obesity outcomes as part of a palliative care program.

Objective: This parallel-group randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of water-based aerobic exercise training and vitamin D3 supplementation on body mass index (BMI) and physical performance in postmenopausal women who were overweight or obese and had insufficient or deficient levels of serum vitamin D.

Design: This was an experimental study.

Methods: Forty women were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Water-based training + vitamin D (WTD), water-based training (WT), vitamin D (D), and control. The training program (aerobic-based exercise) and vitamin D3 supplementation were conducted for 8 weeks, three times a week. Measurements were taken before and after the intervention.

Results: The WTD group showed significant improvement in BMI, handgrip strength, and gait speed compared to all other groups (p > 0.05), and significant enhancements in right and left leg static balance and gait speed compared to the D and control groups (p < 0.05). The WT group demonstrated improvements in handgrip strength compared to the control group and enhancements in right and left leg static balance and gait speed compared to the D and control groups (p < 0.05). Vitamin D3 supplementation improved handgrip strength compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Water-based training with or without vitamin D3 supplementation significantly improved physical fitness indices, with combination showing the most pronounced effects. Vitamin D3 supplementation alone did not have a significant impact on most physical fitness measures.