Association between dysfunction of upper extremity and locomotive syndrome in general population

Abstract Objective This study investigated the relation between self-assessment of upper extremity function and locomotive syndrome in a general population. Methods Using the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function (GLFS-25) test, 320 Japanese people (115 men, 205 women, mean age 67.6 years, 40–92 years) were evaluated for locomotive dysfunction. All had completed a self-administered questionnaire including items for sex, weight, height, dominant hand, and the degree of frequency of hand in ADL. We measured the bilateral hand grip and key pinch strength as indicators of hand muscle function. Study participants were assessed for upper extremity dysfunction using Hand 10, a self-administered questionnaire for upper extremity disorders, and using the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand Version of Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand. Statistical analyses were conducted to clarify the association between upper extremity dysfunction and screening results for locomotive dysfunction. Results Participants reporting any upper extremity dysfunction were 137 (47 men, 90 women) out of 320 participants. The GLFS25 score was found to have significant positive correlation with age and Hand 10 scores. Significant negative correlation was found with the GLFS25 score and dominant grip strength, non-dominant grip strength, dominant key pinch strength, and non-dominant key pinch strength. Univariate analysis revealed a significant association with age, sex, bilateral hand grip, and key pinch, and with the Hand 10 score and Locomotive syndrome. Logistic regression analysis applied after adjustment for age, sex, height, and weight revealed a significant association between Locomotive syndrome and each of non-dominant hand grip (OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.61–0.87) and the Hand 10 questionnaire score (OR 1.10, 95%CI 1.06–1.14). Conclusion Locomotive syndrome is associated with the decline of self-assessed and observed upper extremity function. Study design Cross-sectional study.