Locomotive syndrome and depressive symptoms: A cross-sectional study in middle-aged women

Evidence for an association between locomotive syndrome (LS) and depression is lacking in middle-aged women. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between LS severity and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling middle-aged women.

This cross-sectional study included 1520 middle-aged women (mean age 52 ± 6 years). LS severity was evaluated using the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale questionnaire and motor function test. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Zung self-rating depression scale. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between depressive symptoms and LS severity, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

LS severity, as evaluated through both questionnaires and motor function tests, was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (self-rating depression scale  ≥ 40 points) in middle-aged women. The relationship between LS and depressive symptoms was only significant when assessed through the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale questionnaire rather than the motor function tests. Additionally, a stepwise association was observed between pain severity, as assessed by the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, and the prevalence of depressive symptoms.

LS severity is significantly associated with depressive symptoms in community-dwelling middle-aged women, suggesting the need for additional mental status assessment in participants with LS and concurrent pain.