Bridging diagnostic gaps in osteoporosis and sarcopenia in long-term care: Leveraging a mobile assessment unit for clinical trials and comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluations.

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are prevalent in older adults, particularly in long-term care (LTC) settings, where logistical barriers often impede timely musculoskeletal assessments. Traditional mobile DXA services are limited and typically lack integrated evaluations of muscle health and functional performance. The present report shares our experience with an all-in-one mobile assessment unit designed to provide comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluations directly at LTC facilities.

METHODS

The mobile unit was deployed across five randomized controlled trials in over 30 LTC facilities from 2007 to 2025. It integrates multiple modalities to evaluate bone and muscle health. We report on feasibility, resource utilization, acceptability, and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 876 individuals were enrolled in the trials and underwent 3,623 assessments in the mobile unit, including screenings of non-enrolled individuals and repeated visits during 2-3 years of follow-up among enrolled participants. The mobile unit effectively conducted comprehensive assessments within 45 to 60 min per participant. No device-related adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

This mobile assessment model offers a scalable solution to enhance musculoskeletal care access for older adults in LTC settings. Future directions include expanding its use to underserved populations and integrating telehealth capabilities to further improve care delivery.