Evaluation of physical function in rheumatoid arthritis patients by locomotive syndrome stage

Objective The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between locomotive syndrome (LS) and physical function in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods A total of 324 patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study on frailty in RA patients conducted between 2021 and 2022 were analysed. The 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale was used to assess LS, defined as stage ≥2 (0: < 7 points; 1: 7–15 points; 2: 16–23 points; 3: ≥24 points). Analysis of variance was used for group comparisons, and receiver operating characteristic analysis for identifying LS-related cut-off values. Results Mean age was 63 ± 11 years, mean disease duration was 13.1 ± 9.9 years, and 87% of patients were female. The proportion of patients with LS was 38%. Walking speed (odds ratio [OR]: 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02–0.07), 2-step test (OR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.40), and 5 Times Sit-to-Stand (5TSS) test (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08–1.29) were associated with LS. Cut-off values were 1.21 m/sec for walking speed, 1.2 for 2-step test score, and 10.7 seconds for the 5TSS test. Conclusion This study clarified the relationship between LS progression and lower limb function in RA patients, and identified cut-off values for LS.