Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of locomotive syndrome

Abstract

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected people in various ways, including restricting their mobility and depriving them of exercise opportunities. Such circumstances can trigger locomotor deterioration and impairment, which is known as locomotive syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of locomotive syndrome in the pandemic and to identify its risk factors. Methods: This was a multicenter questionnaire survey performed between 1 November 2020 and 31 December 2020 in Japan. Patients who visited the orthopedics clinic were asked to answer a questionnaire about their symptoms, exercise habits, and locomotor function at two time points, namely, pre-pandemic and post-second wave (current). The incidence of locomotive syndrome in the COVID-19 pandemic was investigated. Additionally, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for developing locomotive syndrome during the pandemic. Results: A total of 2829 patients were enrolled in this study (average age: 61.1 ± 17.1 years; 1532 women). The prevalence of locomotive syndrome was 30% pre-pandemic, which increased significantly to 50% intra-pandemic. Among the patients with no symptoms of locomotive syndrome, 30% developed it in the wake of the pandemic. In the multinomial logistic regression analysis, older age, deteriorated or newly occurring symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders, complaints about the spine or hip/knee joints, and no or decreased exercise habits were independent risk factors for developing locomotive syndrome. Conclusions: The prevalence of locomotive syndrome in patients with musculoskeletal disorders has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to age, locomotor symptoms, especially spine or hip/knee joint complaints, and exercise habits were associated with the development of locomotive syndrome. Although the control of infection is a priority, the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and ensuring exercise habits are also essential issues to address during a pandemic such as COVID-19.