Interdisciplinary Insights Into Musculoskeletal Aging: Mechanisms and Interventions

Aging of the musculoskeletal system is a complex biological process characterized by a decline in muscle mass, strength, and bone density, which contributes to increased frailty, impaired mobility, and a higher risk of fractures and falls. Driven by molecular, cellular, and systemic changes such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances, these age-related alterations significantly impact the quality of life and impose financial burdens on healthcare systems globally. The rising prevalence of associated conditions like osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and osteoarthritis highlights an urgent need to deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that guide musculoskeletal aging.

This Research Topic aims to establish an interdisciplinary platform that fosters the exchange of cutting-edge research findings from basic science to clinical applications. By integrating diverse scientific perspectives, including muscle biology, bone metabolism, rehabilitation science, and gerontology, we strive to provide a holistic view of the musculoskeletal aging process. The goal is to elucidate complex biological processes and interactions that contribute to aging, exploring innovative interventions that could potentially mitigate these effects.

To gather further insights into the nuances of musculoskeletal aging, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

1. Molecular, cellular, and systemic changes: Investigating the impact of inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances on musculoskeletal aging.
2. Interventions: Roles of exercise, nutrition, pharmacological treatments, and emerging biotechnologies like stem cell therapies in managing age-related musculoskeletal changes.
3. Personalized approaches to treatment: Integrating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to tailor interventions and improve clinical outcomes.
4. Innovative methodologies and reviews: Contributions that offer new methods, significant insights, or comprehensive reviews to propel the field forward.
5. Application to clinical practice: Studies that bridge the gap between research findings and practical applications, enhancing patient care and health outcomes.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Musculoskeletal Aging, Mechanisms, Interventions, Oxidative Stress, Stem Cell Therapies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.