David Scott
Deakin University, Australia
Bio:
Prof. David Scott is an exercise scientist and researcher with the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. His research focuses on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of sarcopenia (the age-related decline in muscle mass and function), and its interactions with obesity and osteoporosis in older adults. He has expertise in assessing physical activity and physical performance in older adults, as well as imaging techniques for estimating body composition and bone health. He has led several consensus development projects to establish clinical guidelines for musculoskeletal health. He also leads clinical trials of exercise and nutrition for maintaining and improving physical function during ageing, and his recent work explores the role of digital health in supporting older adults to self-manage musculoskeletal health conditions. He has published over 270 journal articles and books and has received over $8M in competitive research funding. He is the inaugural chair of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research's Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Management Task Force, and an elected member of the International Osteoporosis Foundation's Committee of Scientific Advisors.
Abstract:
As the global population ages, the preservation of musculoskeletal health represents a critical public health priority for sustaining functional independence in older adults. This presentation will discuss the impact of age-related bone and muscle declines, focusing specifically on the interrelated conditions of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. While osteoporosis diagnosis frameworks have been clearly defined for decades, primarily relying on bone mineral density assessment, the conceptual and operational definitions of sarcopenia continue to develop. Current definitions prioritise muscle strength over muscle mass estimates as the primary diagnostic indicator, but a universal consensus has not been achieved. As a consequence, clinical recognition and attention to sarcopenia are poor, and unlike osteoporosis, no pharmacotherapies have been approved for its management. Fortunately, lifestyle strategies, which are overwhelmingly beneficial for improving muscle health even in older age, are also likely to reduce fracture risk by increasing bone mineral density and reducing the risk of falls. Evidence-based exercise prescriptions include high-intensity progressive resistance training, challenging balance tasks and moderate-to-high impact weight-bearing activities to optimise neuromuscular function and skeletal remodelling. Nutritional strategies that address age-related anabolic resistance through elevated daily protein intake, alongside consideration of calcium and vitamin D status, may further support musculoskeletal health. While osteoporosis and sarcopenia are recognised as geriatric conditions, public health messaging should centre on a life-course approach; maximising and maintaining peak bone and muscle mass from childhood to adulthood ensures the availability of physiological reserves that can minimise the health burden of musculoskeletal declines in older age.
