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Locomotive Syndrome, Balance, Frailty, Physical Fitness Level in Older Adults With Metabolic Syndrome in Turkey: A
Ayşe Abit Kocaman1, Alper Kemal Gürbüz1, Saniye Aydoğan Arslan2
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Turkey.
Abstract:
In older adults, metabolic syndrome (MetS) may also affect physical function by causing muscle weakness and reduced mobility. This can lead to problems like frailty, poor balance, and locomotive syndrome (LS), which makes it harder to move and stay independent. Understanding how MetS affects balance, physical fitness, and movement in Turkish older adults is important for preventing falls and promoting healthy aging. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare frailty, locomotive syndrome, balance, and physical fitness levels in Turkish older adults with metabolic syndrome and healthy controls. Sixty-three older adults (41 MetS and 22 controls) underwent assessments including frailty criteria (weight loss, grip strength, exhaustion, gait speed, and physical activity), LS (Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, two-step test, and stand-up test), static balance and proprioception (SensBalance Miniboard), and physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test). The mean age of MetS and controls participants was 72.07 ± 6.03 and 71.18 ± 4.88, respectively. Results revealed no significant frailty difference between groups (p > .05), but the MetS group exhibited higher LS risk (worse Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale scores, reduced quadriceps strength; p < .05), impaired static balance and proprioception (p < .05), and poorer physical fitness (lower aerobic endurance, agility, lower body strength, and flexibility; p < .05), though upper body strength/flexibility was similar (p > .05). This study highlights the impact of MetS on the physical function of older adults in Turkey, showing that individuals with MetS are more likely to experience locomotive difficulties, balance impairments, and reduced physical fitness. These findings underline the importance of early identification and targeted exercise programs to prevent further decline, improve mobility and balance, and reduce the risk of falls in older adults with MetS in Turkey.
