Abstract

EMERGING ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN MANAGEMENT OF HYPOVITAMONOSIS D INDUCED PROXIMAL MYOPATHY: A CASE REPORT

Krupal Jenish Modi (MPT)*

ABSTRACT

Background: Though the majority of the population in India lives in areas receiving ample sunlight throughout the year, vitamin D deficiency is very common in all the age groups due to various reasons. Vitamin D has receptors on virtually every cell in the human body including muscle fibres. In patients with Vitamin D deficiency, the associated muscle weakness has a proximal distribution and variable severity often causing progressive symptoms. The aim of this report is to discuss the key aspects related to vitamin D deficiency, its effect on proximal muscle weakness and role of physiotherapy in management. Case report: A pre-schooler aged child came with complain of waddling gait, positive Gower‟s sign and inability to climb stairs. Detailed assessment and examination revealed weakness of proximal pelvic girdle muscles along with core muscle weakness. Investigations confirmed diagnosis of “Hypovitaminosis D induced-proximal myopathy”. Our patient showed dramatic recovery after appropriate medical and physiotherapy treatment. Discussion: Physiotherapy plays significant role in improving muscle strength, balance, functional mobility and reducing risk of falls and fatigability in such condition.

Keywords: Vitamin D deficiency, proximal myopathy, physical therapy, exercise, paediatric Balance Scale.