Comparison of Physical Function by Age and MADS Complex Diagnosis in Community-dwelling Elderly Women

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to compare the physical function of early- and latter-stage elderly with and without the musculoskeletal ambulation disability symptom (MADS) complex, and examine their characteristics. [Subjects] Subjects were 211 elderly females living in the community. [Methods] Comparisons of the physical function were conducted between those with and without the MADS complex and two age groups. [Results] A markedly larger number of latter-stage elderly had the M ADS complex than those in the early stage. The walking ability was significantly lower in the MADS complex and latter-stage elderly groups. Although the score for muscle strength was markedly lower in the latter-stage elderly group, no significant difference was noted between those with and without the M ADS complex. There was no marked difference in the score for the sit-and-reach flexibility between the MADS and non-MADS and two age groups. [Conclusion] A markedly larger number of MADS complex patients were in the latter- than ill the early-stage elderly group, and the physical function of the latter-stage elderly was lower. The walking ability of the elderly with the MADS complex was very low.