Locomotive syndrome testing in young and middle adulthood

Abstract

Background: Previous epidemiological studies on locomotive syndrome (LS) have been mainly conducted in retired elderly people. However, from the view point of its prevention, it is important to assess currently working younger people. The purpose of this study was to examine the status of the level of LS in young and middle-aged adult workers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at four companies. We used the two-step test, stand-up test, and 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) as screening tools of LS. We also questioned the subjects for knee pain and low back pain.

Results: A total of 715 workers participated in this study. The percentage of females with LS increased with age. However, the percentage of males with LS was approximately 20% in each age category. Two-step and stand-up test scores worsened in an age-dependent manner, although GLFS-25 scores varied independently of age. Knee pain, low back pain and physical activity were significantly related to LS-level.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that there is some degree of LS even in young and middle-aged adults. Knee pain, low back pain and physical activity levels are key factors related to LS even in young and middle-aged adults.

Keywords:

• Epidemiology
• locomotive syndrome
• physical function
• young and middle adulthood

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the staff of Suzuka Health center for their invaluable assistance.

Conflict of interest

None.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 17K09106.