Locomotive syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aimed to longitudinally evaluate the development of locomotive syndrome (LS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients during the COVID-19 pandemic using the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25). Subjects were 286 RA patients (female, 70.6%; mean age, 64.2 years) who had GLFS-25 and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) data available for a 1-year period during the COVID-19 pandemic and who did not have LS at baseline. Associations between subject characteristics and development of LS were determined using logistic regression analysis. Among the 286 patients, 38 (13.3%, LS group) developed LS at 1 year after baseline. In the LS group, scores of the GLFS-25 categories “GLFS-5” and “Social activities” were significantly increased at 1 year relative to baseline. GLFS-5 is a quick 5-item version of the GLFS-25, including questions regarding the difficulty of going up and down stairs, walking briskly, distance able to walk without rest, difficulty carrying objects weighing 2 kg, and ability to carry out load-bearing tasks and housework. A significant correlation was also observed between changes in “Social activities” and that of “GLFS-5.” Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the development of LS was significantly associated with BMI (OR: 1.11 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.22]) and CDAI (OR: 1.08 [95%CI: 1.00–1.16]) at baseline. Adequate exercise and tight control of RA disease activity are important for preventing the development of LS in view of restrictions on going out imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. GLFS-5 is useful for evaluating the physical function of RA patients.