Situation of Locomotive Syndrome in Japanese Young and Middle-aged Workers: Analysis Including Mental Health Status

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze locomotive syndrome and health check-up data including that on emotional well-being in young and middle-aged workers and determine factors for preventing locomotive syndrome.

Methods: Ninety-three young and middle-aged workers who underwent a health check-up participated in this study. The subjects performed locomotive syndrome assessment and grip strength tests. We conducted multivariate analysis on medical interview, anthropometric, blood test and locomotive syndrome assessment results.

Results: Twenty-seven subjects (27.6%) were diagnosed as locomotive syndrome. Nineteen subjects (4 men and 15 women) had mild locomotive syndrome and 8 subjects (3 men and 5 women) had severe locomotive syndrome. Twenty of the 27 subjects were diagnosed as locomotive syndrome on the basis of the Locomo 25 questionnaire. A WHO-5 score was significantly associated with locomotive syndrome. In addition, “sleeping enough” and “habitual physical exercise” were significantly associated with a WHO-5 score (R²=0.313, p<0.001).

Conclusions: In the present study on young and middle-aged workers, 27.6% of the subjects were diagnosed as locomotive syndrome, and mental health status was significantly associated with locomotive syndrome.