Locomotive syndrome among middle-aged females, the characteristics of their body composition and their physical ability

Abstract

[Objective] The present study involved community-dwellings females agedbetween 45 and 64 years old, and examined the physical ability and characteristics of people with locomotive syndrome. [Subjects] The subjects were 24 females aged betwee 45 and 64 years old living an independent life.[Methods] A locomotion-level test, physical ability examination (including five question items), and a test to assess the body composition (bone density, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass Index (SMI)). The subjects were classified into locomotive and non-locomotive syndrome groups, and the results were compared between the two groups. [Results] Nine of the 24 females exhibited locomotive syndrome. There were no significant differences in all question items related with physical ability. Regarding the body composition, there were significant differences in the skeletal muscle mass and SMI between the two groups. [Discussion] Although there was little decrease in the motor ability of the subjects, signs of the loss of muscle mass were identified. It is important to raise awareness of locomotive syndrome among middle-aged or older people, and provide potential patients with appropriate exercise guidance.