Australian Practitioner Survey Reveals Muscle Health Screening Gap

A new survey of more than 1,300 Australian general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses has revealed a significant gap between the growing prevalence of age-related muscle loss and how it is identified and managed in general practice.

Findings from the National Muscle Health Survey, conducted by Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) and supported by global healthcare leader Abbott, show that while 80% of GPs believe they are responsible for identifying and managing sarcopenia, only 23% (1 in 4) routinely conduct muscle screening.

Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function with aging. It affects 1 in 5 Australians aged 60 and over. The new data show that despite its prevalence and clinical impact, muscle loss remains under-recognized and underdiagnosed in routine primary care.

A separate survey with Australian older adults indicated most of them recognize muscle health is important and acknowledge muscle deterioration as a serious issue, yet only around 1 in 10 report having discussed muscle health with their doctor.

Clinicians reported that muscle health is most often considered once patients already present with established risk factors, including a history of falls, malnutrition, mobility limitations, osteoporosis, or recent hospitalization. 

Despite recognizing muscle health as part of their clinical role, only 13% of clinicians reported prior training in sarcopenia, while 84% expressed interest in continuing medical education (CME). The most commonly cited barriers to routine screening were:

• Limited access to practical assessment tools
• Lack of referral pathways and
• Limited knowledge and confidence

Conversely, clinicians identified access to education and training, alongside standardized screening protocols, as key to improving early identification and intervention.

Survey respondents reported they were most likely to prioritize muscle screening in patients with:

• A history of falls (94%)
• Malnutrition (93%)
• Mobility limitations (90%)
• Osteoporosis (83%)
• Recent hospitalization (80%)

Supporting Action

In response to these gaps, a Muscle Health Algorithm has been developed by an Australian Expert Advisory Board, supported by Abbott and endorsed by the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR). 

The algorithm provides a practical, stepwise framework using functional measures and risk assessment to prompt earlier intervention in primary care, before diagnostic thresholds for sarcopenia are reached. It reflects growing recognition that muscle decline often begins well before overt disability, representing a critical opportunity to prevent progression.

Survey respondents identified exercise and nutrition as central to the prevention and management of muscle loss with aging. Adequate nutritional intake, including sufficient energy, protein, and key nutrients, is essential to support muscle maintenance, recovery, and function.

“Nutrition is fundamental to muscle health, but it’s often addressed too late,” said Louise Murray, an accredited practicing dietitian specializing in aged care nutrition. “We rarely see people over 65 proactively talking about muscle health; referrals tend to come much later, often after significant weight and muscle loss has already occurred.”

“When appetite is reduced or nutritional intake becomes inadequate, oral nutritional supplements (ONS) can help support muscle health alongside exercise. Sometimes it’s simply easier to drink than eat, which is why early nutrition conversations are so important,” Murray added.

Together, the findings highlight a clear opportunity to support earlier, more systematic conversations about muscle health in general practice.

“If early identification of muscle loss was more prevalent, in theory, we should see a decrease in falls and hospital admissions,” said Dr. Jeremy Keh, general practitioner at Mortlake Family Medical Practice.

“With the magnitude of other health screening required in the elderly population, time-poor options are often left out. Having a simple screening tool like the Muscle Health Algorithm certainly improves awareness and patient education.”