Actual Status of Locomotive Syndrome among Elderly Females with Regular Exercise Habits

Abstract

　Aims: To examine the actual status of locomotive syndrome (LS) among elderly females with regular exercise habits and compare it with previous national data.

　Methods: This study included 117 female subjects (mean age: 74.4 ± 4.8 years, range: 64–88 years) with regular exercise habits (at least once a week) in the Kanagawa Prefecture.

　Results: The percentage of females meeting the criteria of LS stage 1 (LS-1) in the Stand-up Test and Two-step Test was significantly lower than that previously reported in national data. In contrast, this percentage was higher in the 25-item Gait Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) for those in the 60s and 70s age groups. However, the percentage meeting the criteria of LS stage 2 (LS-2) was lower than that recorded in national data based on the scores for related items. There was no significant correlation between the frequency of exercise and meeting/not meeting the LS-1/-2 criteria. In the analyses of the response of elderly females to the GLFS-25, pain and mobility difficulties were observed among those meeting the LS-1 criteria. Various activities of daily living were challenging for some of those meeting the LS-2 criteria.

　Conclusion: Based on the LS test results, elderly females with regular exercise habits were likely to show enhanced physical abilities. The results suggested that regular exercise (at least once a week) exerts beneficial effects on the abilities (i.e., standing and walking) of elderly females. Nonetheless, it became clear that some of those who met the LS criteria have been continuing their exercise habits, despite feeling pain and anxiety regarding their future. In the future, it would be necessary to promote the utilization of and cooperation with regional resources to prevent further deterioration and encourage elderly females to continue their regular exercise habits.