ABSTRACT
As a screening tool for detecting latent pre-locomotive syndrome (latent pre-LS) in women over the age of 40, measuring handgrip strength with a cut-off value of 26 kg was proposed in a previous report. However, this screening method missed 22% of latent pre-LS. It would be beneficial to screen almost persons with latent pre-LS in community pharmacies. In this study, it was investigated whether screening using the combination of measuring handgrip strength and the questionnaire, “Loco-check,” which was proposed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, improved the detection of latent pre-LS in the same group mentioned above. Combining only one of the “Loco-check” questions, “I cannot put on a pair of socks while standing on one leg,” with the measurement of handgrip strength with the cut-off value of 26 kg, the detection of latent pre-LS was increased to 90.2%. The odds ratio was 9.72 in logistic regression analysis. Using the combination of the measurement of handgrip strength and the response to one question is both rapid and convenient. Therefore, in this study, this screening combination is proposed to be a useful tool in community pharmacies for detecting early latent pre-LS.
ABSTRACT
The present aging rate in Japan of some 28% will continue to increase along with the advancing age of elderly persons. Therefore, the demand for care will also increase. Approximately 25% of the need for nursing-care defined by the Japanese long-term care insurance system is associated with disorders or deterioration of locomotive organs. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of diseases in the locomotor system and maintenance of motor function are important for extended healthy life span and to decrease the demand for long-term care. Based on this background, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) proposed the concept of locomotive syndrome (LS) in 2007, which is defined as reduced mobility due to impaired locomotive organs. Changes in locomotion must be noticed early to ensure the timely implementation of appropriate checks and measures of locomotion can uncover risk of acquiring LS. The acquisition of an exercise habit, appropriate nutrition, being active and evaluating and treating locomotion-related diseases are important to delay or avoid LS. The JOA recommends locomotion training consisting of four exercises to prevent and improve LS. Countermeasures against LS should become a meaningful precedent not only for Japan, but for other countries with rapidly aging populations.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Aging , Asian People , Exercise , Insurance, Long-Term Care , Japan , Locomotion , Long-Term CareABSTRACT
Background: To prevent locomotor dysfunction, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) proposed the concept of locomotive syndrome (LS) in 2007, and has carried out numerous campaigns to increase the awareness of LS. We previously surveyed the recognition of LS and reported that 24.6% of outpatients knew about it in 2013. Were surveyed the recognition of LS and the prevalence of LS in 2014 to elucidate the effects and trends of the recognition of LS and the promotion campaigns. Methods: To investigate the recognition of LS and the prevalence of LS, we conducted a questionnaire survey including both the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS- 25) and the “loco-check” in 1,027 (450 male and 577 female) orthopaedic outpatients. This survey was performed at Juntendo University Hospital (Tokyo, Japan), from March to June 2014. Results: The concept about LS was known to 26.4% of the patients, which was increased 1.8% in comparison to our survey in 2013. And, the most common media source to obtain information about LS was TV. Newspapers and magazines were also common media sources. In terms of the prevalence of LS in orthopaedic outpatients, 60.5% (734 of 1,027 people who answered the questions) were classified into the LS high-risk group as determined using the GLFS-25. The prevalence of LS was 54.9% in males and 64.3% in females. Conclusion: We investigated the recognition of LS and the prevalence of LS using an outpatient cohort from the Tokyo area. This study demonstrated that the recognition of LS in 2014 was 26.4%, which increased by 1.8% compared to our survey in 2013. Our outpatient-based survey is therefore considered to positively help obtain a better understanding of the effects and trends of promoting the concept of LS.
ABSTRACT
Background: To prevent locomotor dysfunction, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) proposed the concept of locomotive syndrome (LS) in 2007, and has carried out many campaigns to increase the awareness of LS. Recently, the JOA reported that 26.6% of people recognized LS in internet based surveys. However, a survey of the recognition of LS using outpatient (hospital-based) cohorts has never been performed. Therefore, we surveyed the recognition of LS, the prevalence of LS and any correlations between LS andthe clinical data in the outpatient cohort. Methods: To investigate the recognition of LS and prevalence of LS, we conducted a questionnaire survey including the “loco-check” in 1010 (429 male and 581 female) orthopaedic outpatients at Juntendo University Hospital (Tokyo, Japan) from April to June 2013. Results: Only 24.6% of the patients knew about the concept of LS. In terms of the media sources from which the patients had received information about LS, 49.5% received LS information from TV. With regard to the prevalence of LS, 43.8% was classified into the LS group. The prevalence of LS was 32.9% in males and 51.8% in females. When the relationship between LS and orthopaedic disease was examined, 50 of 55 (90.9%) knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients, 21 of 26 (80.8%) hip OA patients and 98 of 151 (64.9%) lumbar spondylosis patients had statistically significant correlations with LS (p<0.0001). Conclusion: This study confirmed the rate of recognition of LS indicated by the JOA survey. Our studies also revealed that LS score was related to orthopaedic disorders. Our outpatient-based surveys may help provide a better understanding of the effects and trends of the campaigns to promote the recognition of LS.