273 Investigating disparities in mobility and physical health across the Rural South to inspire change

Objectives/Goals: This study aims to address mobility disability in the rural South by collecting advanced clinical measures in underserved communities, uncovering relationships between socioeconomic status, mobility, and physical health, providing data to aid clinicians in diagnosis and treatment, and improving healthcare delivery in disadvantaged areas. Methods/Study Population: We will recruit 50 participants aged 65+ years from a diverse range of areas in the rural South. Data collection will occur at community health fairs, employing a community-centered approach. Assessments include mobility measures using portable inertial sensors, physical health assessments: body composition (TANITA BC-568), muscle size analysis (ultrasound), central and peripheral blood pressure. Demographic information: We will analyze relationships between ADI, mobility, and physical health measures. This approach allows for comprehensive health evaluation in participants’ own communities, facilitating trust building and immediate dissemination of health information. The study design enables investigation of socioeconomic impacts on health and mobility in this underserved population. Results/Anticipated Results: Preliminary data from our ongoing community health fairs (n = 172) show promising feasibility for data collection in rural settings. Importantly, initial analyses reveal a significant correlation between higher area deprivation index (ADI) scores and reduced mobility performance, supporting our hypothesis that socioeconomic factors influence physical function. We anticipate further findings, including more detailed relationships between ADI and specific mobility parameters (e.g., gait speed and balance), associations between ADI and poorer physical health measures (e.g., increased arterial stiffness and decreased muscle mass), and interrelationships between mobility impairments and cardiovascular health markers Discussion/Significance of Impact: Building vital relationships with rural communities while uncovering critical links between mobility and physical health. By bridging urban science and rural needs, we are addressing health disparities and informing targeted healthcare strategies. Our findings will improve clinical decision-making and healthcare delivery in underserved areas.