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Related Concept Videos

Polygenic Traits01:18

Polygenic Traits

When more than one gene is responsible for a given phenotype, the trait is considered polygenic. Human height is a polygenic trait. Studies have uncovered hundreds of loci that influence height, and there are believed to be many more. Due to the high number of genes involved, as well as environmental and nutritional factors, height varies significantly within a given population. The distribution of height forms a bell-shaped curve, with relatively few individuals in the population at the...
Polygenic Traits01:18

Polygenic Traits

When more than one gene is responsible for a given phenotype, the trait is considered polygenic. Human height is a polygenic trait. Studies have uncovered hundreds of loci that influence height, and there are believed to be many more. Due to the high number of genes involved, as well as environmental and nutritional factors, height varies significantly within a given population. The distribution of height forms a bell-shaped curve, with relatively few individuals in the population at the...
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Gene-Environment Interactions01:20

Gene-Environment Interactions

Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs01:23

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Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Heritability01:06

Heritability

Heritability is a statistical concept that measures the degree to which genetic differences among individuals contribute to trait variations within a population. It is a fundamental idea in genetics, often prone to misinterpretation. Heritability is expressed as a percentage, reflecting the proportion of variation in a specific trait across a population that can be linked to genetic differences. However, it's important to understand that heritability does not determine how "genetic" a trait is,...

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Genetic factors in physical activity levels: a twin study.

José A R Maia1, Martine Thomis, Gaston Beunen

  • 1Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Porto, Portugal. jmaia@fcdef.up.pt

American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|July 23, 2002
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Genetic factors significantly influence youth sports participation and physical activity, with a stronger genetic component observed in males. Environmental factors play a more prominent role in females.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral genetics
  • Youth physical activity
  • Sports science

Background:

  • Interindividual variation in youth sports participation and physical activity is substantial.
  • Understanding the etiological factors (genetic vs. environmental) is crucial for promoting activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the relative contributions of genes, shared environment, and unique environment to sports participation index (SPI) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in youth.
  • To investigate sex differences in these etiological factors.

Main Methods:

  • A quantitative genetic modeling approach was applied to 411 Portuguese twin pairs (aged 12-25 years).
  • Variance components analysis (additive genetics, shared environment, unique environment) was used.
  • Sports Participation Index and Leisure-Time Physical Activity were assessed using the Baecke questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • Sex-specific genetic and environmental influences were identified for both SPI and LTPA.
  • In males, genetic factors explained 68.4% of SPI variance and 63% of LTPA variance.
  • In females, genetic factors explained 39.8% of SPI variance and 32% of LTPA variance, with significant contributions from shared (28.4% SPI, 38% LTPA) and unique environments (31.8% SPI, 30% LTPA).

Conclusions:

  • Genetic effects significantly contribute to variation in sports participation and physical activity, with greater influence in males.
  • Shared and unique environmental factors are particularly important for explaining sports participation and physical activity variation in females.