Association Between BMI Reduction and Activities of Daily Living Improvement in Elderly Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders in a Convalescent Rehabilitation Ward

Background As populations age, musculoskeletal disorders significantly affect the quality of life (QOL) and functional independence of elderly individuals. While BMI is commonly used to assess nutritional status and is linked to physical function, the relationship between BMI reduction and improvements in activities of daily living (ADL) remains unclear in elderly patients with musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed to explore this relationship in a rehabilitation setting. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 75 elderly patients (65 years and older) with musculoskeletal disorders admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward. Patients were categorized into two groups based on BMI reduction: those with a decrease of ≥0.7 kg/m² and those with