From screening to action: Overcoming challenges in musculoskeletal care

Around the world, millions lose mobility and independence each year due to musculoskeletal disorders. This decline rarely begins suddenly; it often develops silently over years until everyday activities become difficult. By the time symptoms appear, prevention opportunities are often lost. Two urgent challenges must be addressed to change this trajectory. The first is detecting risk early. Advances in movement science, clinical screening and digital health now make early identification possible at scale. Wearable sensors, computer vision and simple functional tests such as gait speed and grip strength provide objective and real-world assessment of mobility and balance. Large population cohorts, biomarker research and artificial intelligence refine risk stratification by identifying early decline and predicting future disability. The second task is in motivating behavioural change once risk is recognised, and this remains the battle yet to be won. Many people hesitate to modify their routines when the benefits may take years to become apparent, as in most musculoskeletal conditions. This makes effective risk communication essential. Messages should be personalised, empathetic and culturally appropriate, helping individuals understand why action matters and how it protects independence and quality of life. Sustained engagement then depends on social support and digital tools that provide feedback and maintain motivation over time. Moving forward, the critical task is to ensure that those identified at risk act on this knowledge, stay engaged long enough for prevention to succeed, and enable musculoskeletal care to move from a reactive care model to true prevention.