The prevalence and characteristics of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in the community-living middle-aged and elderly population: The Yakumo study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is increasing with the aging of the population. Asymptomatic DISH can decrease the spinal range of motion (ROM) and cause fractures. However, the prevalence or physical function of patients with DISH before experiencing fractures and other serious conditions is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of DISH in the community residents on the basis of age and sex and characterize their physical function, ROM, and bone fragility. METHODS: The subjects were community volunteers who attended a health checkup in 2018 and 2019. Overall, 455 subjects (mean age, 64.2 ± 9.7 years; 177 men) were included for analysis. We performed whole-spine lateral radiography for detecting DISH according to the criteria reported by Resnick. We compared the age, sex, body mass index (BMI), results of muscle strength and walking tests, ROM measured by SpinalMouse®, and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of calcaneus with and without DISH. RESULTS: DISH was detected in 83 (18.2%) cases. The DISH group was older (69.8 y.o. vs. 63.0 y.o.; p < 0.05) and comprised more men (prevalence: men, 27.7%; women, 12.2%; p < 0.001). BMI was high in the DISH group (24.8 vs. 23.3 kg/m2, p < 0.05). SpinalMouse measurements showed the DISH group had a significantly decreased ROM in the lumbar spine (43.2°, 57.2°, p < 0.05). The DISH group had a significantly lower T-score on the QUS measurement in the calcaneus (-2.0, -1.5, p < 0.05). There were, however, no significant differences between groups in both muscle strength test and walking test. CONCLUSION: Subjects with DISH had decreased ROM in the lumbar spine and bone mineral density in calcaneal QUS. However, physical functions such as muscle strength and walking ability were similar among subjects with and without DISH without subjective symptoms.

Circulating miRNA-122 is associated with knee osteoarthritis progression: A 6-year longitudinal cohort study in the Yakumo study.

OBJECTIVE: The association between knee osteoarthritis (OA) and miRNAs has been widely reported. However, the utility of miRNAs as predictors of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) progression in longitudinal studies has not been reported. We aimed to identify circulating miRNAs (c-miRNAs) associated with KOA progression in the general population and to examine their potential use as predictors of KOA progression. METHODS: In 2012 and 2018, 66 participants (128 knees) took part in a resident health check-up in the Yakumo study. If the KL classification progressed two or more levels, the patient was classified as having progressive OA. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to screen 21 c-miRNAs. The expression levels of those c-miRNAs were compared between the progressive OA group and non-progressive OA group using student-t-test. Logistic analysis was performed in c-miRNAs less than p < 0.10 in univariate analysis. RESULTS: The progressive OA group consisted of 78 knees. The results of the comparison between the progressive OA group and the non-progressive OA group showed that six c-miRNAs as follows; let7d (p = 0.030), c-miRNA-122 (p < 0.001), 150 (p = 0.070), 199 (p = 0.078), 21 (p = 0.016) and 320 (p = 0.093) were extracted as factors related to the progression of knee OA. In addition, logistic regression analysis identified c-miRNA-122 as an independent factor involved in the progression of knee osteoarthritis (odds ratio: 1.510, 95% confidence interval: 1.060-2.140, p = 0.023). The ROC curve showed by c-miRNA-122 for the progression of OA risk had an area under the curve of 0.702 (95% CI: 0.609-0.795). The threshold of c-miRNA-122 was -4.609. CONCLUSION: The expression level of c-miRNA-122 was associated with the risk of KOA progression in community dwelling Japanese people.

Metabolic syndrome reduces spinal range of motion: The Yakumo study.

BACKGROUND: Excess visceral fat can accumulate owing to lack of exercise. The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and spinal range of motion (ROM) is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between MetS and spinal alignment and ROM. METHODS: Orthopedic evaluation was prospectively performed in 544 participants. The participants were classified into two groups on the basis of the Japanese-specific MetS criteria proposed by the Japanese Committee of the Criteria for MetS (JCCMS). Lower back pain (LBP), knee joint pain with the visual analog scale (VAS), Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade for knee osteoarthritis, body mass index (BMI), and spinal alignment and ROM were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-four (8.1%) were diagnosed as having MetS. The prevalence rate of K-L grade 4 in the MetS group was significantly higher than that in the non-MetS group (p < 0.05). When sex, age, and BMI were evaluated as covariates, there were significant differences in the VAS score for knee pain (non-MetS group vs MetS group: 13.7 vs 23.3, p < 0.05), L1-S1 flexion spinal ROM (44.1° vs 38.1°, p < 0.001), flexion spinal inclination angle (SIA) ROM (107.6° vs 99.3°, p < 0.01), and SIA ROM (135.4° vs 124.0°, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Knee pain increased and flexion spinal ROM decreased significantly in the MetS group as compared with non-MetS group. Systemic factors associated with MetS may have a specific impact on spinal ROM while promoting knee osteoarthrosis and increased knee pain.

Relationships between footedness and aging on postural control: Evidence from the Yakumo study.

ABSTRACTThe effects of footedness and aging on postural maintenance function were examined in this study. Using the postural maintenance task, the trajectories of the centre of pressure (COP) were measured with a stabilometer in the lateral and posterior/anterior directions. One hundred and ninety-three right-footers (112 middle-aged: 40-64 years old and 81 old-aged: 65-80 years old) and thirty-two left-footers (14 middle-aged and 18 old-aged) among healthy community members participated in this study. Using the ratio of the COP deviation area sizes for the open- vs. closed-eye conditions as an index, the ratios in the lateral and the posterior/anterior directions were compared in relation to the footedness and the age groups. The results indicated that the left-footers of the older adults group showed a larger COP deviation ratio than that of the middle-aged group, and the left-footers showed a larger deviation ratio in the lateral direction than in the posterior-anterior direction. These findings suggest a weak postural maintenance function of the older adults left footers. As most left-footers are left-handed, health promotion staff should notice that older adults who are left-handers are at a higher risk of falling.

Association between locomotive syndrome and fall risk in the elderly individuals in Japan: The Yakumo study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with locomotive syndrome (LS) are poor ambulatory status and a high risk of requiring nursing care. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between LS and fall risk among community-dwelling elderly individuals. METHODS: The subjects were Japanese elderly individuals aged 65 and over who participated in Yakumo study 2019 (N = 189). We defined the fall risk index 5 items version (FRI-5) ≥6 points as the fall risk group. LS was evaluated by stand-up test, two-step test, and 25-Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25). We divided the subjects into two groups according to the presence or absence of fall risk, and investigated factors associated with fall risk. RESULTS: The fall risk group (30 patients, 15.9%) had higher GLSF-25 (P = 0.001). The results of logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and knee osteoarthritis revealed that GLFS-25 (OR: 1.052; 95%CI: 1.009-1.097) was independent factor associated with fall risk. In the ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off value of the GLFS-25 to predict fall risk was 12, which is equivalent to LS stage 1 (AUC 0.688; 95% CI: 0.588-0.787; sensitivity: 0.467, specificity: 0.836). CONCLUSIONS: GLFS-25 was associated with fall risk among community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 65 and over.

A preliminary examination of the association between locomotive syndrome and circulating miRNA-199 in community-dwelling people: The Yakumo study.

BACKGROUND: The risk of locomotive syndrome (LS) has been proposed as a criterion for evaluating physical ability. The expression levels of circulating miRNAs (c-miRNAs) are predictors of various diseases. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of several miRNAs and LS. METHODS: We enrolled 423 participants in whom we conducted a survey with the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) and measured the serum levels of 21 c-miRNAs. The relationship between the GLFS-25 and each c-miRNA was evaluated with a linear regression analysis, and independent associations between the GLFS-25 and each c-miRNA were assessed with a multiple regression analysis using various independent variables. RESULTS: Only the serum level of miR-199 was significantly associated with LS after adjustment for age, BMI, sex, and all comorbidities. The receiver operating characteristics curve for the predictive value of the miR-199 level to indicate the presence or absence of LS risk had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.576 (95% confidence interval: 0.501-0.651). CONCLUSION: The expression level of miRNA-199 was associated with the risk of LS in community-dwelling Japanese people.

The development of knee osteoarthritis and serum carotenoid levels among community-dwelling people in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: Carotenoids are plant pigments found in many vegetables, functioning as antioxidants scavenging singlet molecular oxygen and peroxyl radicals. No longitudinal study exists on the relationship between carotenoids and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) development. We aimed to determine the incidence of KOA development for 10 years in community-dwelling people in Japan and assess its association with serum carotenoids. METHODS: Data of 440 participants (174 men, 266 women) with health-screening records for at least 10 years were analysed. We defined KOA development as advancing from K/L grade 0/1 at the initial check-up to grade ≥2 in a unilateral knee during a 10-year follow-up period. Serum carotenoid levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. We used the Cox hazard model for multivariate analysis and investigated each carotenoid's impact on KOA development. RESULTS: KOA developed in 33.4% of patients; the annual KOA development rate was significantly higher among women than among men (p < .01; 3.4% vs. 1.6%). Among the carotenoids measured, only retinol was associated with KOA development in women using multivariable analysis. KOA development was not associated with any carotenoids in men. CONCLUSION: The annual rate of KOA development was higher in women, and retinol was associated with KOA development in women.

Differences in the prevalence of locomotive syndrome and osteoporosis in Japanese urban and rural regions: The Kashiwara and Yakumo studies.

OBJECTIVES: To clarify whether the prevalence of locomotive syndrome (LS) and osteoporosis differed according to region, gender, and physical functions in Japan. METHODS: Data were collected in Kashiwara City (urban region) and Yakumo Town (rural region). Totally, 208 participants from the urban region and 782 participants from the rural region were included in this study. LS was assessed using the 25-item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale and osteoporosis was assessed using a quantitative ultrasound. Physical functions were measured using grip strength and the 3-m timed up-and-go test. Differences between urban and rural regions were investigated using standardized incidence ratio and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of LS and osteoporosis was 24.5% and 42.8% in the urban region and 10.9% and 28.8% in the rural region, respectively. The standardized incidence ratio of the urban region versus the rural region was 1.80 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.35-2.39) for LS and 1.21 (95% CI = 1.32-2.43) for osteoporosis, showing that the prevalence of LS was significantly higher in the urban region. Multivariate analysis indicated that LS was significantly associated with the urban sample and timed up-and-go was significantly longer in the urban sample. CONCLUSION: Regional differences may be considered when evaluating LS in health checkups. Understanding the results of this study may help reduce LS prevalence.

Overcoming locomotive syndrome: The Yakumo Study.

OBJECTIVES: Improvement of life expectancy is increasingly important with the aging of society. The aim of the study was to compare physical performance in elderly people in two 3-year periods (2001-2003) and (2016-2018). METHODS: The participants were healthy Japanese elderly adults who attended public health check-ups in Yakumo. Results for 10 m gait time, two-step test, back muscle strength, and grip strength were examined prospectively for participants in 2001-2003 (Group A: n = 488) and 2016-2018 (Group B: n = 309) by gender and age (65-74 and 75-84 years). RESULTS: There were significant differences between Groups A and B for 10 m gait time (age 65-74: male: 5.6 vs. 5.2 s, female: 6.3 vs. 5.5 s; age 75-84: male: 6.1 vs. 5.5 s, female: 6.7 vs. 5.8 s; all p < .05) and two-step test (age 65-74: male: 1.41 vs. 1.48, female: 1.35 vs. 1.44; age 75-84: male: 1.32 vs. 1.41, female: 1.30 vs. 1.38; all p < .05), but not for back muscle strength or grip strength. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a phenomenon of 'overcoming locomotive syndrome', in which physical performance changed by aging, including motor functions such as 10 m gait time and two-step test, has improved in the current population compared with a similar population from 15 years ago.

Risk Factors for Neuropathic Pain in Middle-Aged and Elderly People: A Five-Year Longitudinal Cohort in the Yakumo Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for new neuropathic pain (NeP) after five years in healthy middle-aged and elderly volunteers. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal cohort study (Yakumo study). SETTING: Clinical evaluation in a health checkup. SUBJECTS: A total of 366 people (male N = 146, female N = 220, average age = 63.5 years) who did not have NeP in 2013 were examined. METHODS: NeP was diagnosed based on a painDETECT questionnaire score ≥13. Body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, low back pain (LBP), sciatica, physical ability, grip and back muscle strength, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, frailty, spinal alignment, and quality of life (QOL) with the SF36 in 2013 were compared between NeP(+) and NeP(-) subjects in 2018 using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The NeP(+) rate in 2018 was 5.2%, with no significant differences in age and gender. NeP(+) subjects had significantly lower BMI, severe sciatica, poor gait ability, higher rates of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, greater lumbar kyphosis and spinal inclination, and poorer mental health in 2013. Poor gait ability (odds ratio [OR] = 8.05), low BMI (OR = 2.31), lumbar kyphosis (OR = 1.38), low percentage of the young adult mean (OR = 1.15), and low mental QOL (OR = 1.06) were identified as significant and independent risk factors for new NeP after five years. CONCLUSIONS: This longitudinal cohort study identified five independent risk factors for development of new NeP after five years, with related factors of spinal inclination, sarcopenia, and sciatica. New NeP may be prevented by intervention or treatment of these factors at an early stage in relatively healthy middle-aged and elderly people.

Impact of pelvic incidence on lumbar osteophyte formation and disc degeneration in middle-aged and elderly people in a prospective cross-sectional cohort.

PURPOSE: Pelvic incidence (PI) is unique to each individual and does not change throughout life. High PI is related to lumbar spondylolisthesis, but associations of PI with lumbar osteophyte formation and disc degeneration are unclear. The objective was to evaluate relationships of PI with lumbar osteophyte formation and disc degeneration, as well as spinal sagittal alignment and geriatric diseases, in middle-aged and elderly people. METHODS: A total of 1002 volunteers (male: 434, female: 568, average age: 63.5) were prospectively examined for lumbar osteophyte formation (Nathan class ≥ 2) and disc degeneration (disc score ≥ 3). High (PI > 51, n = 501) and low (PI ≤ 51, n = 501) PI groups were defined. Clinical factors, frailty, sarcopenia, and physical quality of life (QOL) were compared between these groups, and risk factors for lumbar osteophyte formation and disc degeneration were identified in multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Physical QOL was poorer in people with lumbar osteophyte formation (54.8%) and disc degeneration (33.6%). Age, male gender, spinal parameters including PI, bone mineral density, back muscle strength, and gait ability differed significantly between the groups, whereas frailty and sarcopenia were not significantly different. Low PI, low lumbar lordosis, elder age, male gender, high BMI, and weak back muscle strength were significant risk factors for lumbar osteophyte formation and disc degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Low PI was identified as a risk factor for lumbar osteophyte formation and disc degeneration, both of which reduce physical QOL in middle-aged and elderly people. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Long-Term Outcomes of Eccentric Rotational Acetabular Osteotomy Combined With Femoral Osteotomy for Hip Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at investigating the clinical outcomes of eccentric rotational acetabular osteotomy (ERAO) combined with intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy (ITVO) over a period of more than 10 years. METHODS: This is a case-control study of 39 patients (40 hips) who underwent ERAO combined with ITVO for hip dysplasia (ITVO group). Patients were matched for age, sex, follow-up period, and preoperative joint stage to 78 patients (80 hips) who underwent ERAO alone (ERAO group). We compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes and the survival rates between the groups. RESULTS: The Harris Hip Score at the final follow-up was significantly lower in the ITVO group than in the ERAO group. The postoperative center edge angle, acetabular head index, and minimum joint space were significantly smaller in the ITVO group than in the ERAO group. The survival rates for the conversion to total hip arthroplasty end point were not significantly different between groups. However, survival rates for the Harris Hip Score < 80 end point were significantly poorer in the ITVO group than in the ERAO group. CONCLUSION: The long-term results of ERAO combined with ITVO were not satisfactory from a hip function perspective. ERAO combined with ITVO should be indicated in only young active patients with pre-osteoarthritis and initial stages of osteoarthritis.

Curved Intertrochanteric Varus Osteotomy vs Total Hip Arthroplasty for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Patients Under 50 Years Old.

BACKGROUND: Given recent advances in total hip arthroplasty (THA), curved intertrochanteric varus osteotomy (CVO) is not indicated as a treatment for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), unless indicated to maintain long-term hip function and achieve patient satisfaction. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of CVO with those of THA for treatment of ONFH in young adults <50 years old. METHODS: This comparative study included 105 ONFH patients: 59 patients (65 hips) who underwent CVO and 46 patients (56 hips) who underwent THA. Assessment tools included the Harris hip score (HHS), patient-reported outcomes of the Short Form-36, Oxford hip score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip-Disease Evaluation Questionnaire, and University of California, Los Angeles score, together with complication and survival rates. RESULTS: Preoperative HHS was significantly higher in the CVO group than in the THA group (P < .01). At the last follow-up, no between-group differences were noted in HHS, all domains of Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip-Disease Evaluation Questionnaire scores, Oxford hip score, and Short Form-36. University of California, Los Angeles scores and complication rates were comparable: 3% for the CVO and 7% for the THA group. The 10-year survival rate with surgery for any reason as the end point was comparable, at 91.8% for the CVO and 97.7% for the THA group. CONCLUSION: Functional outcomes, survival rate, and sporting activities for patients <50 years old undergoing CVO or THA for ONFH were comparable after a mean follow-up period of 10 years. Strict indications for CVO can help maintain hip function and patient satisfaction equivalent to that for THA, in the long term.

Relationship between lumbopelvic discordance and locomotive syndrome in a middle-aged community-living population: The Yakumo study.

BACKGROUND: Locomotive syndrome (LS) affects the quality and activities of daily living. Although spinal sagittal balance influences LS, no report elucidated the relationship between LS risk and lumbopelvic discordance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between lumbopelvic discordance and LS in a middle-aged community. METHODS: The subjects (n = 135) were divided into three groups based on the LS risk stage, which was evaluated through spinopelvic sagittal alignment and lumbopelvic mismatch prevalence (Pelvic incidence-Lumbar lordosis >10°:PI-LL mismatch).Then, the subjects were divided into two groups (lumbopelvic matched and mismatched groups) and analyzed based on the demographic data, physical test, stabilometry, and body pain using the visual analog scale. RESULTS: There were 76, 37 and 22 subjects in stages 0, 1, and 2, respectively. The pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatched group had a higher prevalence in LS risk stage 2 than in LS risk stage 0. The prevalence of PI-LL mismatch was significantly different among the groups. Post hoc test revealed the differences in spinopelvic alignment among the stages. In each LS risk stage, the degree of PI-LL was significantly higher in stage 2 than that in stages 0 and 1. On comparing the PI-LL matched (n = 67) and mismatched groups (n = 68) with a stabilometer, the envelopment area tracing by the movement of the center of pressure and locus length/second was greater in the PI-LL mismatched group than that in the PI-LL matched group with/without eyes opened. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LS risk stage 2 was more frequently observed in the PI-LL mismatched group. The degree of PI-LL was evaluated through the LS risk stages. Physical dysfunction in the PI-LL mismatched group was related to trunk imbalance based on stabilometry. These findings will help manage LS and PI-LL mismatched subjects.

Differences of locomotive syndrome and frailty in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly people: Pain, osteoarthritis, spinal alignment, body balance, and quality of life.

Purpose: To identify differences between locomotive syndrome (LS) and frailty.Methods: A total of 1016 subjects (males 427, females 589, mean age 64 years) were prospectively examined in the Yakumo study. LS was defined as ≥16 on the GLFS-25 questionnaire. Frailty was diagnosed as ≥3 of unintentional weight loss, grip strength weakness, low walking speed, exhaustion, and low physical activity.Results: LS (14.4%) and frailty (10.8%) were more significant in older, female subjects with weaker muscle strength, lower gait speed, severer pain, poorer spinal alignment, and poor quality of life (QOL). LS strongly reflected musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain, knee and lumbar degeneration with poor spinal alignment, and poorer body balance, whereas frailty reflected muscle weakness. In multivariate analysis adjusted for age and gender, the significant independent risk factors were LS (odds ratio (OR) 10.6), frailty (OR 3.6), pain (OR 1.02) for poor physical QOL, and LS (OR 4.4) and lower gait speed (OR 1.6) for poor mental QOL.Conclusion: LS is more strongly related to musculoskeletal factors and may be more important than frailty for poor physical and mental QOL. LS should be checked early especially in independent elderly people to maintain activities of daily living and QOL.

Weakness of grip strength reflects future locomotive syndrome and progression of locomotive risk stage: A 10-year longitudinal cohort study.

Objectives: Grip strength is a simple indicator of physical function. The goal of this retrospective study was to examine whether grip strength reflects locomotive syndrome and locomotive risk stage 10 years later.Methods: The participants were 88 Japanese adults aged >40 years who attended a health check-up in 2006. Relationships of baseline grip strength with physical performance and locomotive risk stage after 10 years were assessed in males and females.Results: The 88 subjects (31 males, 57 females; average age 61.6 in 2006) were followed for 10 years. Grip strength in 2006 had significant positive correlations with grip strength and back muscle strength, and negative correlations with 10 m-gait time and 3m Timed Up and Go (3m-TUG) test after 10 years (p < .05). Subjects with higher and lower grip strength in 2006 did not differ significantly in age, but had significant differences in physical performance, GLFS-25 (25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale) scores and locomotive risk stage after 10 years (p < .05). Same result was also obtained in the examination by gender.Conclusion: Weak grip strength was significantly related to future physical status, and these findings were unaffected by age. Weak grip strength could be a risk factor for future locomotive syndrome and locomotive risk in community-dwelling people.

Reduction in body cell mass as a predictor of osteoporosis: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Improvement of nutritional status, which may help prevent osteoporosis, can be assessed using the body cell mass (BCM) index, measured by the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). However, the relationship between BCM and osteoporosis is not clear. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between osteoporosis and four components of body composition, including BCM.Methods: The study included 600 participants who underwent measurements of bone status by quantitative ultrasound and body composition by BIA at an annual health check-up. Normal and osteoporosis groups were compared.Results: There were 414 and 186 participants in the normal and osteoporosis groups, respectively. Significant differences between the two groups were observed in age, sex, height, weight, BCM, extracellular water (ECW) content, and minerals, even after adjusting for age and sex. In logistic regression analysis, BCM, age, and ECW were significant risk factors for osteoporosis. Furthermore, BCM and ECW in males and BCM and age in females were significant risk factors for osteoporosis.Conclusion: Of the four body composition components measured with BIA, reduction in BCM most reflected osteoporosis. BCM was a significant risk factor in both sexes for osteoporosis. BCM can be easily measured, and may be useful in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Impact of comorbidity rates of lumbar spondylosis, knee osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis on physical QOL and risk factors for poor physical QOL in middle-aged and elderly people.

Purpose: To examine effects of combined osteoporosis (P), knee osteoarthritis (K-OA), and lumbar spondylosis (L-OA) on quality of life (QOL), and identify risk factors for poor QOL.Methods: 1021 subjects (440 males, 581 females, mean age: 63.4 years) were prospectively included. Osteoporosis (%YAM ≤70%), K-OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2), and L-OA (Nathan class ≥3) were defined. Subjects were divided into groups 0 to 3 based on the number of comorbid diseases, and into groups P, K, and L (one disease), PK, PL, and KL (two diseases), and PKL (three diseases). Clinical variables and QOL were compared, and risk factor analysis was conducted.Results: BMI, muscle strength, pain, and spinal inclination significantly increased and physical QOL worsened with more comorbidities. Though age did not differ among disease groups, BMI was significantly higher in groups K and L than in group P. Groups including subjects with L-OA had significantly lower lumbar lordosis and larger spinal inclination. In multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and gender, group KL, spinal inclination, gait speed, grip strength, and pain were risk factors for poor physical QOL.Conclusion: Increased comorbidity has a negative impact on physical QOL, and six risk factors for poor physical QOL were identified.

Shoulder pain has most impact on poor quality of life among various types of musculoskeletal pain in middle-aged and elderly people: Yakumo study.

Objectives: To investigate the severity and effect on quality of life (QOL) of various types of pain in healthy volunteers.Methods: A total of 384 subjects (male: 158, female: 226, average age: 63 years) were included in a prospective cohort study (Yakumo study). Shoulder pain, low back pain (LBP), sciatica, knee pain, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score were evaluated with SF-36.Results: The prevalence of shoulder pain, LBP, sciatica, and knee pain was 42%, 44%, 16%, and 48%, respectively, with similar severities of pain. Shoulder pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and ASES shoulder scores were significantly correlated with SF-36 domains. Subjects with poor physical QOL had significantly higher VAS scores for all pain types and a lower ASES shoulder score. Shoulder pain VAS was also significantly related to poor mental QOL. Multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age and gender showed that shoulder pain VAS (OR: 1.25, p < .05) and 10-m gait speed (OR: 1.82, p < .05) were significant independent risk factors for poor physical QOL.Conclusion: Only shoulder pain of similar severity to other pain and shoulder complaints impacted on both physical and mental QOL. The severity of shoulder pain was an independent risk factor for poor physical QOL.

Epidemiology and effect on physical function of osteosarcopenia in community-dwelling elderly people in Japan.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of osteosarcopenia and its relationship with physical function in elderly people in Japan.Methods: The subjects were 427 healthy volunteers over 65 years old (205 males, 222 females, average age 71.4 years) who attended health checkups in 2016 and 2017. Body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density in the calcaneus (%YAM), physical parameters, and skeletal muscle mass were measured. The appendicular skeletal muscle index (aSMI) was calculated as arm and leg skeletal muscle mass/height2. Osteoporosis was defined as %YAM < 70%, sarcopenia as aSMI < 7.0 kg/m2 (males) and <5.8 kg/m2 (females), and osteosarcopenia as the presence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis.Results: Osteoporosis alone was diagnosed in 60 subjects (14%), sarcopenia alone in 55 (13%), and osteosarcopenia in 36 (8%). The prevalence of osteosarcopenia was 8% in all subjects, 12% in females, and 4% in males. BMI and back muscle strength were significantly lower in osteosarcopenia than in sarcopenia alone (p < .05); and weight, BMI, body fat, grip strength, and back muscle strength were significantly lower in osteosarcopenia than in osteoporosis alone (p < .05).Conclusion: Osteosarcopenia was significantly associated with muscle weakness. Further studies to identify other related factors are needed for prevention and treatment of osteosarcopenia.