Investigating joint complaints in nursing home residents

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Complaints in Nursing Home Residents

Observational Maastricht University Medical Center · NCT06235710

This study looks at how common joint pain is among nursing home residents, including those with dementia, to better understand their experiences and mobility challenges.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMaastricht University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brunssum, Limburg)
Trial IDNCT06235710 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the prevalence of joint complaints among nursing home residents, both with and without dementia. It will involve a physical examination to identify tender or swollen joints and will also evaluate how residents perceive the severity of their joint issues. Additionally, the study will explore mobility limitations and the accuracy of diagnoses recorded in electronic health files. The findings could provide valuable insights into the management of musculoskeletal diseases in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include nursing home residents aged 65 and older, both with and without dementia, who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with a life expectancy of less than two weeks or those with a diagnosis of dementia who are expected to resist participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recognition and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases in nursing home residents, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While this study addresses a specific population, similar observational studies have shown success in identifying prevalence rates of musculoskeletal conditions in older adults.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria, group 1:

* Mentally competent nursing home resident ≥ 65 years;
* No diagnosis of dementia (major neurocognitive disorder according to DSM-5 criteria);
* The nursing home resident provides informed consent to participate in the study.

Inclusion criteria, group 2:

* Nursing home resident with dementia (major neurocognitive disorder according to DSM-5 criteria) ≥ 65 years;
* The legal representative of the nursing home resident provides informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria, group 1:

* Diagnosis dementia;
* Life expectancy \< 2 weeks (definition terminal nursing home resident). Exclusion criteria, group 2
* Life expectancy \< 2 weeks (definition terminal nursing home resident).
* If, on the basis of an already known pattern of behaviour, it is expected that the potential participant will resist the proposed research (anticipated behaviour).

Where this trial is running

Brunssum, Limburg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rheumatoid ArthritisRheumatic DiseasesMusculoskeletal DiseasesMusculoskeletal Diseases or ConditionsGoutDegenerative Joint DiseaseOrthopedic DisorderArthritis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.