Locomotive Syndrome: A New Concept to describe a Long-known Phenomenon: A Review of the Literature

Author(s): Éva Kovács

As the population ages, the number of people with disabilities who are unable to live independently is expected to increase. Geriatric exercise programs aiming to maintain or restore mobility and the ability to live independently are most effective if older people at risk of disability are involved in these programs as early as possible. The concept of locomotive syndrome has been developed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association in order to draw the attention lay people and healthcare professionals to early recognition and treatment of structural disorders and functional decline of the musculoskeletal system responsible for mobility in old age. Because these changes begin in people in their 50s, the prevention of the locomotive syndrome in old age should already start in the middle age.