Frequency-response relationship between exercise and locomotive syndrome across age groups: Secondary analysis of a nationwide cross-sectional study in Japan

Objectives This study aimed to clarify the frequency-response relationship between exercise habits and locomotive syndrome (LS) in different age groups. Methods We analysed 8681 independent community dwellers who participated in a nationwide cross-sectional LS study. Participants were divided into young (20-39 years), middle (40-64 years), and old (>= 65 years) groups. The presence of LS was evaluated using the LS risk tests. Exercise habits were assessed by exercise frequency (almost every day/sometimes/occasionally/never). The association between LS and exercise was assessed using the multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for participant characteristics for each age category. Results Overall, 3528 (41%) participants had LS. In the old group, the risk of LS was lower with an increased exercise frequency. However, this dose-response relationship was not found in the young group. The proportion of LS was lower even in participants who occasionally exercised (1-3 days/month) than those who never exercise in the young and middle age groups. Conclusions Regular exercise reduced the risk of LS not only in middle and older adults but also in young adults. Moreover, increasing exercise frequency may provide benefits for LS prevention, especially among older adults.