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🏥 Gotokuji Orthopedic Clinic / Patient Guide

Locomotive Syndrome

Locomotive Syndrome
Standing, walking, sitting -- take early action against declining mobility

Locomotive syndrome ("Locomo") is a condition where the musculoskeletal system -- bones, joints, muscles, and nerves -- weakens, making everyday activities like standing, walking, and sitting difficult.
As it progresses, the risk of needing nursing care or becoming bedridden increases.
It is often linked to conditions like osteoporosis, knee osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis.

1
Muscle strength and bone density decline with age

Muscle mass decreases and bones become more fragile over time

2
Joint and spinal conditions develop

Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and spinal stenosis add to the burden

3
A vicious cycle of inactivity and further decline

Pain leads to less movement, which causes more muscle loss, making movement even harder

4
Increased risk of needing care

As it progresses, daily independence becomes difficult and nursing care may be needed

🦴 Osteoporosis 🦵 Osteoarthritis 🔴 Spinal Stenosis 💤 Lack of Exercise
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You need a handrail to climb stairs
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You cannot walk continuously for 15 minutes
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You cannot cross the street before the light changes
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You trip or slip inside the house
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Vacuuming feels exhausting
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You cannot put on socks while standing on one leg
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You find it hard to carry home about 2 kg of shopping (two 1-litre milk cartons)
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Single-Leg Stand (Eyes Open)
Stand on each leg for 1 minute, 3 times a day. Always stay near something to hold on to
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Half Squats
Slowly do 5-6 reps at a deep-breathing pace, 3 times a day. Do not bend the knees far past 90 degrees
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Calf Raises
Rise up on your toes 10-20 times. Strengthens your calves
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Front Lunges
Step forward in a large stride, 5-10 reps. Improves walking ability
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Early action can help reduce the risk of needing nursing care

Locomotive syndrome progresses without you noticing, but simple daily exercises can help maintain and improve your mobility. Prevention starting in your 40s and 50s is most effective. You can start at any age, so begin with what you can do. If even one item on the Locomo Check applies to you, consider visiting us for a consultation.

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We can assess your Locomo level with standardized tests.
Our clinic uses three tests -- the Stand-Up Test, Two-Step Test, and Locomo-25 questionnaire -- to objectively evaluate the degree of locomotive syndrome and recommend a personalized exercise plan. Feel free to ask us about it.

💡 What You Can Start Today

  • Make single-leg stands and squats a daily habit
  • Try to increase your walking time within a comfortable range
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in protein and calcium
  • If even one Locomo Check item applies, consider seeing a doctor