Prevalence and associated factors of locomotive syndrome in young Japanese adults: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background The onset of locomotive syndrome (LS) precedes that of frailty. Therefore, the first step in extending healthy life expectancy is to implement measures against LS in young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of LS and its associated factors in young adults for early detection and prevention of LS. Methods The participants of this study comprised 413 university students specializing in health sciences (192 males and 221 females) with an average age of 19.1 ± 1.2 years. All participants voluntarily participated in the study and reported no serious health problems. The presence or absence of LS was evaluated using the stand-up test, two-step test, and the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale. Additionally, musculoskeletal assessment (one-leg standing, squatting, shoulder elevation, and standing forward bend), body composition analysis (weight, body mass index, body fat mass, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and phase angle), handgrip strength test, physical activity assessment, and nutritional assessment were conducted. Sex-stratified analyses were performed, comparing groups with and without LS. Factors associated with LS were explored using binomial logistic regression. Results Of the 413 young adults studied, 86 individuals (20.8%) were found to have LS. When stratified by sex, LS was observed to have a considerably higher prevalence in females (55, 24.9%) than in males (31, 16.1%). In males, the notable differences between the groups with and without LS were observed in one-leg standing and phase angle, whereas in females, differences were identified in body fat mass, body fat percentage, SMI, musculoskeletal pain, and handgrip strength. Two types of binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that the inability to perform one-leg standing was associated with LS in males, while the presence of musculoskeletal pain and a high body fat percentage were identified as factors associated with LS in females. Conclusions One in five young adults were found to have LS in this study, underscoring the necessity for early intervention and LS health education. Furthermore, effective management of musculoskeletal pain is also crucial.

Association between Internet Use and Locomotive Syndrome, Frailty, and Sarcopenia among Community-Dwelling Older Japanese Adults

“…Among these, locomotive syndrome (LS), a condition in which mobility is impaired due to musculoskeletal disorders associated with adverse outcomes, frailty (a condition in which vulnerability to various stresses increases as physiological reserves decrease with age) and sarcopenia (a decline in skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function with aging) are of the utmost importance [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. In 2022, the Japanese Medical Science Federation released the “Declaration of the Medical Society to Overcoming Frailty and Locomotive Syndrome” [ 5 , 6 ], which states that to overcome LS and frailty, health care providers must work together to contribute to the health and longevity of the population and to maintain the physical activity level of individuals. Additionally, sarcopenia is considered a core component of frailty [ 7 ], so there is a need to assess LS, frailty, and sarcopenia comprehensively.…”