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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Behavioral and Locomotor Measurements Using an Open Field Activity Monitoring System for Skeletal Muscle Diseases
Published on: September 29, 2014
Relationship between physical activity and locomotive syndrome among young and middle-aged Japanese workers
Kazuhiko Watanabe1,2, Xi Lu1, Shota Masuda1
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
Objectives:
This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity (PA) and locomotive syndrome (LS) among young and middle-aged Japanese workers.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 335 participants from a company in Kumamoto, Japan. LS was evaluated using the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25); a GLFS-25 score ≥7 was defined as LS. Weekly PA was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Work-related PA (time spent sitting, standing, walking, and strenuous work per day) and sedentary breaks were measured using a Work-related Physical Activity Questionnaire. Screen usage (television [TV], smartphones, tablets, and personal computers) during leisure time was recorded. The association between PA and LS was examined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, history of musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, stroke, occupation, employment type, work time, shift system, employment status, and body pain.
Results:
A total of 149 participants had LS. Fewer sedentary breaks during work (>70-minute intervals, odds ratio [OR] = 2.96; prolonged sitting, OR = 4.12) and longer TV viewing time (≥180 minutes, OR = 3.02) were significantly associated with LS. In contrast, moderate PA (OR = 0.75) was significantly associated with a lower risk of LS.
Conclusions:
Fewer sedentary breaks during work and longer TV viewing time could increase the risk of LS in young and middle-aged Japanese workers.
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