Evaluation of factors associated with locomotive syndrome in Japanese elderly and younger patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of locomotive syndrome (LS) using the 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale (GLFS-25) and identify factors associated with LS in elderly and younger patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Overall, 390 patients with RA who underwent GLFS-25 measurement, bone mineral density determination, and bioelectrical impedance analysis were enrolled. Factors associated with LS were analyzed by comparing patients with and without LS among both elderly and younger patients with RA. Results: The prevalence of LS was 41.5%, 47.7% and 32.3% in all patients, elderly patients, and younger patients with RA, respectively. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) were associated with LS in both elderly and younger patients. Moreover, in younger patients with RA, disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), basal metabolic rate, and legs muscle mass were identified as being associated with LS. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that to prevent LS, we should aim to control pain and maintain a low HAQ-DI in elderly and younger patients with RA, and improve disease activity and maintain a higher basal metabolic rate, and legs muscle mass in younger patients with RA.