Abstract
The relationship of locomotive syndrome with other physical characteristics and lifestyle habits in children has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of children’s locomotive syndrome, and to determine its relationship with the above-mentioned factors. This was a cross-sectional study of 285 elementary school children who volunteered to participate in a medical checkup for physical function. Data was collected via medical examination, clinical measurements, and questionnaires. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the relationship (odds ratios; ORs) of participants’ characteristics, physical functions, and other outcomes determined by questionnaire on locomotive syndrome. The following factors were related to locomotive syndrome: older age (OR = 1.421, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.039, 1.945]), male sex (OR = 4.011, 95% CI [2.189, 7.347]), and more time spent watching television per day (OR = 1.281, 95% CI [1.001, 1.640]). These results may assist in the encouragement of children to perform appropriate physical activities and avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, reducing the occurrence of locomotive syndrome.
Highlights
The World Health Organization pointed out that musculoskeletal conditions are typically characterized by persistent pain and limitations in mobility, dexterity, and functional ability affecting muscles, bones, joints, and associated tissues of the locomotor system [1]
Locomotive syndrome is a condition in which motor function is reduced because of limitations imposed on the motor organs by, e.g., trauma and musculoskeletal conditions such as pain, joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and reduced balance function [2]
The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between locomotive syndrome and physical characteristics and lifestyle habits in school-aged children to assist in preventing locomotive syndrome, which leads to musculoskeletal disorders
Summary
The World Health Organization pointed out that musculoskeletal conditions are typically characterized by persistent pain and limitations in mobility, dexterity, and functional ability affecting muscles, bones, joints, and associated tissues of the locomotor system [1]. Locomotive syndrome is a condition in which motor function is reduced because of limitations imposed on the motor organs by, e.g., trauma and musculoskeletal conditions such as pain, joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and reduced balance function [2]. This condition has been receiving increasing priority in Japan. When researchers examined school-aged children who were clinically diagnosed with musculoskeletal conditions after undergoing a primary, questionnaire-based physical checkup, 44.4% had not reported related problems in the questionnaire [5] This indicates that children may not be aware that they have locomotive syndrome; by implication, their parents would be ignorant, and the prevalence of this condition among children may be underestimated. The accurate assessment of locomotive syndrome in school-aged children is crucial
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
