Comparison of Physical Function by Age and MADS Complex Diagnosis in Community-dwelling Elderly Women

Purpose) The purpose of the present study was to compare the physical function of early- and latter- stage elderly with and without the musculoskeletal ambulation disability symptom (MADS) complex, and examine their characteristics. (Subjects) Subjects were 211 elderly females living in the community. (Methods) Comparisons of the physical function were conducted between those with and without the MADS complex and two age groups. (Results) A markedly larger number of latter-stage elderly had the MADS complex than those in the early stage. The walking ability was significantly lower in the MADS complex and latter-stage elderly groups. Although the score for muscle strength was markedly lower in the latter-stage elderly group, no significant difference was noted between those with and without the MADS complex. There was no marked difference in the score for the sit-and- reach flexibility between the MADS and non-MADS and two age groups. (Conclusion) A markedly larger number of MADS complex patients were in the latter- than in the early-stage elderly group, and the physical function of the latter-stage elderly was lower. The walking ability of the elderly with the MADS complex was very low.