Healthy Ageing of the Musculoskeletal System

The musculoskeletal system plays a particularly important role when it comes to ‘healthy aging’. Strong bones can withstand greater stress, well-maintained joints ensure smooth, pain-free movement, and fit muscles provide additional support and strength. Those who take good care of their musculoskeletal system from a young age can reap the benefits well into old age. Active research is also being carried out in this field at the Medical University of Graz. A dedicated university centre of excellence in ‘Musculoskeletal Health’ was even recently established, where scientists are investigating bone and muscle loss during aging. Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch discusses what constitutes a healthy musculoskeletal system, how to look after it, and what research is being carried out in this field at the Medical University of Graz.

Strong bones, flexible joints and strong muscles

Bones are by no means dead or inactive tissue: quite the opposite. The structure of bones is constantly adapting and actively responds to stress. Anyone who regularly puts their bones under strain through exercise sends signals to the body that the bones need to be strengthened. This task is carried out, amongst other things, by a pair of cells known as osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoblasts are responsible for building new bone tissue. They form the basis of bone substance and ensure that injuries such as fractures heal. Their counterparts are the osteoclasts: their role is to break down bone tissue and recycle minerals and other nutrients. Together with other cells, osteoblasts and osteoclasts are constantly working to remodel the bone structure so that the tissue can withstand current stresses as effectively as possible. So, anyone who regularly challenges their bones through exercise ensures a stronger skeleton.

Joints are structured differently depending on their ‘function’. A ball-and-socket joint, such as the shoulder or hip, differs in structure from a hinge joint, such as the elbow; however, their function remains similar: Joints enable us to move pain-free and flexibly through the interaction of bones, muscles, ligaments, specialised tissues such as cartilage, and substances such as synovial fluid. Without them, movement as we know it would be unthinkable.

For many people, muscles are mainly a matter of aesthetics, yet they are essential for a well-functioning musculoskeletal system. Strong muscles are not only there to enable us to lift heavy weights, but also serve as an important support structure for the entire musculoskeletal system, particularly in the back. In addition to this primary function, however, muscles have other beneficial properties. For instance, even at rest, muscles burn a comparatively large number of calories, thereby helping to maintain a healthy metabolism. Furthermore, they support the cardiovascular system, reduce the risk of injury and, via neurotransmitters released during physical activity, can also have a positive effect on other organs such as the liver, brain or gut.

Muscle research at the highest level

Research into muscle health is also being carried out at the Medical University of Graz. A key topic in this field is so-called sarcopenia – the loss of muscle mass, which is particularly common in older people. This loss of muscle mass increases the risk of falls, leads more frequently to osteoporosis and is an ever-growing problem for healthcare systems in an aging population worldwide. Research into biomarkers for sarcopenia is being carried out at the Medical University of Graz. The team involved analysed data from a long-term study, the BioPersMed cohort (biomarkers for personalised medicine, involving more than 1,000 participants over 15 years to date), in order to identify reliable biomarkers for muscle loss. Among other things, they identified dp-ucMGP, a so-called adipokine – a substance that is actually produced and released by adipose tissue. This subtype of matrix GLA protein (MGP) is involved in bone metabolism and had previously been associated with reduced muscle strength.

How to keep your musculoskeletal system healthy as you age

• A healthy diet rich in calcium and protein, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency
• Exercise and strength training to maintain muscle and skeletal mass
• A healthy lifestyle without smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
• Preventative care and medical advice where necessary

Profile: Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch

Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch is Professor of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Osteology at the Medical University of Graz, University Clinic for Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology. As an expert in translational research – ranging from cell cultures to clinical trials – she heads the Endocrinology Laboratory Platform for Hormone and Metabolic Analyses, which also includes the University Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, and is Director of the EndoGeneLab. Her research areas range from bone metabolism and biology, through bone density and imaging, to glucose and mineral metabolism, androgens, microbiome studies and fertility, with a focus on the interaction between these systems.