Correlation between musculoskeletal system function and pre-depressive states in elderly cancer patients: A...

Studies have shown that locomotive syndrome (LS) is significantly correlated with adverse outcomes, such as decreased self-care abilities, fractures, and increased mortality. Subthreshold depression (StD) is considered an independent predictor of clinical depression, regarded as its prodromal stage, and even linked to increased mortality risk. Limited research has addressed the prevalence and relationship between LS and StD in elderly cancer patients. Understanding the prevalence of LS and StD among elderly cancer patients and elucidating their relationship will provide evidence to support the development of targeted interventions, thereby improving health outcomes in this population.

To investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal system function and pre-depressive states in elderly cancer patients.

A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 500 elderly cancer patients undergoing follow-up visits at the Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, from April 2024 to December 2024. Participants completed the general information questionnaire, the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form-15. Influencing factors were analyzed, and correlation analyses were performed.

A total of 483 elderly cancer patients successfully completed the study. The prevalence of LS and StD among participants was 56.5% and 38.7%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis identified age, tumor metastasis, exercise habits, and the presence of StD as significant risk factors for LS in elderly cancer patients. Additionally, having three or more chronic diseases and LS were significant predictors for developing StD. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between LS and StD (r = 0.424, P < 0.001).

Elderly cancer patients exhibit a high prevalence of LS and StD, conditions which are positively correlated and mutually influential. Thus, it is critical to monitor and address pre-depressive states while evaluating and managing motor function in this population.