Locomotive Syndrome: Definition and Management

Abstract

Locomotive syndrome is a condition of reduced mobility due to impairment of locomotive organs. Since upright bipedal walking involves minutely controlled movement patterns, impairment of any aspect of the locomotive organs has the potential to adversely affect it. In addition to trauma, chronic diseases of the locomotive organs, which progress with repeated bouts of acute exacerbations, are common causes of the locomotive syndrome. In Japan’s super-aging society, many people are likely to experience locomotive syndrome in the later part of their lives. Exercise intervention is effective in improving motor function, but because the subjects are elderly people with significant degenerative diseases of the locomotor organs, caution should be taken in choosing the type and intensity of exercise. The present review discusses the definition, current burden, diagnosis and interventions pertaining to the locomotive syndrome. The concept and measures are spreading throughout Japan as one of the national health policy targets.

The role of Perioperative Surgical Home on health and longevity in society: importance of the surgical prehabilitation program

“…Over the past century, the average years of life (life expectancy) have been continuously increasing in most 1 3 dysfunction in the elderly [9,10]. The weakness of locomotive components, consisting of bones, joints, muscles and nerves, causes difficulty in standing, walking, running, climbing stairs, and performing other physical functions essential to daily life.…”

“…There have been a number of studies that indicated the effectiveness of physical intervention in limiting the disability and functional decline of mobility, strength, balance and gait in an aged population with mild to moderate disability [9]. Since its efficacy is limited in people with severe disability, early detection of the locomotive syndrome and early intervention have been advocated.…”

Health status of older adults living in the community in Japan: Recent changes and significance in the super‐aged society

“…Although both aging processes are detrimental to survival, aging of blood vessels can lead to fatal events, such as cerebral hemorrhage and infarction. In contrast, although aging of the musculoskeletal system (so‐called “locomotive syndrome” in Japan) might lead to functional deterioration, it is not fatal. These phenomena imply that women have a longer unhealthy lifespan compared with men.…”

Development of an efficient screening system to identify novel bone metabolism-related genes using the exchangeable gene trap mutagenesis mouse models

“…estimating the number of osteoporosis patients in Japan at over 12.8 million2. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association has defined conditions wherein mobility functions are declined due to locomotive organ impairment, including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, as “locomotive syndrome”3, and is proactively committed to taking preventive measures and promoting awareness of locomotive syndrome.…”