Longitudinal observational study to prevent fractures in older individuals with musculoskeletal ambulatory disability symptom complex: the first-year data and effects in the COVID-19 pandemic

We evaluated physical function, physical activity, and sleep status in five elderly individuals with musculoskeletal ambulatory disability symptom complex (MADS) for one year, and examined their influential factors associated with sarcopenia. Compared with the baseline, the results did not show significant differences in every item. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic had occurred throughout Japan for nearly the entire study period. The impact on psychological parameters of participants was surveyed using the Profile of Mood States second edition (POMS 2R); the results suggested that their mood states were relatively stable. Although we can consider these results, i.e., the participants maintained a high level of health consciousness and willingness to participate in social activities and physical exercise even under various restrictions, we were able to trace an extremely small number of participants because of the pandemic. This study shall be continuously conducted to record measurable data every 3 months, and aim for the development of device-free systems that prevent fractures in elderly individuals with MADS.