Is locomotion training effective for middle‐aged workers?

OBJECTIVES: Locomotion training (LT) consisting of single‐leg standing and squatting was developed to help prevent locomotive syndrome (LS), and is typically used in older people. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of LT on young and middle‐aged people. METHODS: This study was performed at two companies. Workers in company A engaged in LT five times/week for 1 year, whereas workers in company B did not. Baseline and follow‐up checkups consisted of questionnaires and physical performance tests, including three kinds of locomotion tests. RESULTS: In total, 88 and 101 workers in companies A and B, respectively, met the inclusion criteria. LS stage, stand‐up test results, and scores on a geriatric locomotive function scale significantly improved among workers in company A, but only stand‐up test results significantly improved among workers in company B. Quadriceps power increased in company A, but did not change in company B. Especially, workers with LS in company A had more significant changes than those without LS and those in company B. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this longitudinal study suggest that LT is useful even for young and middle‐aged workers. LT was especially more effective for workers than those without LS.