Activity of Salivary 11<i>β</i>-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 Becomes the Index for the Continuous Strength Exercise to Prevent Locomotive Syndrome in Japan

Abstract

The Japanese Orthopedic Association proposed a concept called locomotive syndrome (LS) to identify middle-aged and older adults at high risk of requiring health care services because of problems with locomotion-associated lower muscle mass. To prevent LS, it is important to increase muscle mass and muscle strength in middle-age by continuous resistance training. A total of 38 men and women were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Body composition, physical strength and salivary cortisol and cortisone were analyzed. The exercise intervention program was performed by individual muscle endurance level. Body weight, muscle weight and basal metabolism were increased after exercise intervention. The 30-second sit-up test and 3-minute walking were increased, and the 10-time sit-to-stand was decreased significantly. This may be related to increase of leg and abdominal muscular strength. The exercise intervention program increased salivary 11 β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11 β -HSD2) activities significantly. These results suggested that 11 β -HDS2 became the index for the increase of muscular strength to prevent LS.