Sarcopenia as a Cause of Locomotive Syndrome: The Influence on Functional Mobility and Activities of Daily Living

• Published in: Clinical reviews in bone and mineral metabolism 2016-06, Vol.14 (2), p.116-118
• Main Author: Akune, Toru
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Endocrinology; Gynecology; Internal Medicine; Locomotive Syndrome; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Orthopedics; Rheumatology
• ISSN: 1534-8644; 1559-0119
• DOI: 10.1007/s12018-016-9214-4

Locomotive syndrome refers to conditions under which the elderly have been receiving support or long-term care, or high-risk conditions under which they might soon require support or long-term care, which are caused by musculoskeletal disorders. The concept of locomotive syndrome was proposed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association in 2007 for the promotion of preventive health care of locomotive organs to reduce its risk and decrease the number of disabled elderly requiring care in their activities of daily living. Sarcopenia is among the causes of locomotive syndrome since it is characterized by generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength or function and is associated with physical disability and poor quality of life. Consensus definition of sarcopenia was provided by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS). Prevalence of sarcopenia defined by the EWGSOP or the IWGS criteria and its associated factors have been reported in many studies. It might be difficult for people to recognize functional declines in locomotive organs, including muscle strength and physical performance, since they usually progress slowly and gradually. Therefore, it is of particular importance to raise awareness of the growing risk and to take action to improve and maintain the health of locomotive organs for prevention of sarcopenia and other diseases in locomotive syndrome.