Association between changes in physical function and progression of locomotive syndrome in community-dwelling older adults: a 2-year longitudinal study

Objective

Japan is one of the most rapidly aging societies in the world, and preventing mobility decline in older adults remains a critical public health priority. This study aimed to examine the association between changes in physical function and the progression of locomotive syndrome (LS) over a 2-year period in community-dwelling older adults. Materials and Methods: The participants were community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years who participated in a municipal preventive care program. Among them, 58 participants who completed the 2-year follow-up assessment were analyzed. LS was assessed using the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) and the two-step test. Participants were categorized according to LS stage, and changes over 2 years were defined as progression, maintenance, or improvement. Physical function was evaluated using grip strength, the sit-and-reach test (SRT), and the 30-second chair stand test (CS-30). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between changes in physical function and LS progression, with adjustment for age.