Association between locomotive syndrome and anemia among community-dwelling older adults

Aim: To investigate the association between locomotive syndrome and anemia among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at specific health checkup centers in Japan between 2019 and 2020. We sent a questionnaire to older adults aged >= 65 years who participated in health checkups. A total of 2507 community-dwelling older adults were included in this study (mean age = 72.3 years, 51.4% women). Locomotive syndrome was measured using a 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale with a score range of 0-100, and was defined as >= 16 points. Anemia was defined using World Health Organization criteria, as a hemoglobin concentration of <13.0 g/dL in men and <12.0 g/dL in women. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between locomotive syndrome and anemia, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, depression symptoms, self-reported comorbidities (cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, knee osteoarthritis, fractures, and spinal disease), hypertension, and renal function. Results: Of all the participants, 11.6% had locomotive syndrome and 12.8% had anemia. Even after adjustment, a relationship between locomotive syndrome and anemia was observed (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-2.7). Conclusions: Community-dwelling older adults with anemia had a significantly higher prevalence of locomotive syndrome than those without. This finding suggests that older adults with anemia are at risk of locomotive syndrome, and appropriate measures should be taken for prevention.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the association between locomotive syndrome and anemia among community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in specific health checkup centers in Japan, and a questionnaire was sent to older adults aged ≥65 years. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between locomotive syndrome and anemia, even after adjusting for various factors. The results suggest that older adults with anemia are at higher risk of locomotive syndrome, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.