About this Research Topic
In recent years, efforts to prevent widespread muscle wasting have focused primarily on providing population-wide recommendations for older adults. However, there is a need for novel approaches to investigate the root causes of muscle loss during the earlier stages of adulthood and devise customised interventions that address age- and sex-specific factors.
Sarcopenia is a condition characterised by loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Primarily thought of as a muscle wasting disorder prevalent in 60+ age groups and often driven by lifestyle changes, muscle decline starts around the age of 40 in otherwise healthy individuals. It has also been highlighted that the prevalence of sarcopenia can be high even in individuals <60 years of age. Andropause in men, and the menopausal transition (typically characterised by oestrogen deficiency in women), are critical periods for maintaining musculoskeletal health. Since sarcopenia contributes to frailty, and many non-communicable diseases, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, any interventions/programmes targeting younger groups (e.g., 40-60) of people at risk of becoming sarcopenic may potentially prevent manifestations of several non-communicable diseases and promote healthy ageing.
The pathogenesis of sarcopenia as a multifactorial process may involve a reduction in hormones that normally maintain muscle mass, leading to reduced physical activity, impaired nutritional status, and anabolic resistance. Physical inactivity and inadequate protein intake are recognised as key contributors to sarcopenia due to their profound influence on skeletal muscle, which is the largest active metabolic tissue and body protein reserve. Supporting engagement in regular physical activity and adopting a diet that includes adequate and high-quality protein are for example positive non-clinical ways to prevent sarcopenia and optimise musculoskeletal health.
This Research Topic aims to provide the latest updates on the role of exercise and nutrition in promoting musculoskeletal health and preventing sarcopenia among middle-aged adults. We invite submission of manuscripts from various research areas, including basic, clinical, and translational studies.
Sarcopenia is a condition characterised by loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Primarily thought of as a muscle wasting disorder prevalent in 60+ age groups and often driven by lifestyle changes, muscle decline starts around the age of 40 in otherwise healthy individuals. It has also been highlighted that the prevalence of sarcopenia can be high even in individuals <60 years of age. Andropause in men, and the menopausal transition (typically characterised by oestrogen deficiency in women), are critical periods for maintaining musculoskeletal health. Since sarcopenia contributes to frailty, and many non-communicable diseases, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, any interventions/programmes targeting younger groups (e.g., 40-60) of people at risk of becoming sarcopenic may potentially prevent manifestations of several non-communicable diseases and promote healthy ageing.
The pathogenesis of sarcopenia as a multifactorial process may involve a reduction in hormones that normally maintain muscle mass, leading to reduced physical activity, impaired nutritional status, and anabolic resistance. Physical inactivity and inadequate protein intake are recognised as key contributors to sarcopenia due to their profound influence on skeletal muscle, which is the largest active metabolic tissue and body protein reserve. Supporting engagement in regular physical activity and adopting a diet that includes adequate and high-quality protein are for example positive non-clinical ways to prevent sarcopenia and optimise musculoskeletal health.
This Research Topic aims to provide the latest updates on the role of exercise and nutrition in promoting musculoskeletal health and preventing sarcopenia among middle-aged adults. We invite submission of manuscripts from various research areas, including basic, clinical, and translational studies.
Keywords: Sarcopenia, Exercise, Physical Activity, Endocrine system, Nutrition, Menopause, Andropause
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