Relationship between physical activity and locomotive syndrome among young and middle-aged Japanese workers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity (PA) and locomotive syndrome (LS) among young and middle-aged Japanese workers.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 335 participants from a company in Kumamoto, Japan. LS was evaluated using the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25); a GLFS-25 score ≥7 was defined as LS. Weekly PA was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Work-related PA (time spent sitting, standing, walking, and strenuous work per day) and sedentary breaks were measured using a Work-related Physical Activity Questionnaire. Screen usage (television [TV], smartphones, tablets, and personal computers) during leisure time was recorded. The association between PA and LS was examined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, history of musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, stroke, occupation, employment type, work time, shift system, employment status, and body pain.

RESULTS: A total of 149 participants had LS. Fewer sedentary breaks during work (>70-minute intervals [odds ratio {OR}: 2.96]; prolonged sitting [OR: 4.12]) and longer TV viewing time (≥ 180 minutes [OR: 3.02]) were significantly associated with LS. In contrast, moderate PA (OR: 0.75) was significantly associated with a lower risk of LS.

CONCLUSIONS: Fewer sedentary breaks during work and longer TV viewing time could increase the risk of LS in young and middle-aged Japanese workers.