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Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training

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Genetic Influences on Individual Differences in Exercise Behavior during Adolescence.

Niels van der Aa¹, Eco J C De Geus, Toos C E M van Beijsterveldt

¹Department of Biological Psychology, VU University, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

International Journal of Pediatrics

|July 31, 2010

Summary

Genetic factors significantly influence adolescent exercise behavior, explaining 72-85% of the variance. Environmental factors play a minor role, particularly in younger girls, suggesting a strong genetic basis for physical activity.

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Area of Science:

Behavioral Genetics
Adolescent Psychology
Exercise Science

Background:

Understanding factors influencing adolescent exercise behavior is crucial for public health.
Previous research suggests both genetic and environmental contributions to physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to adolescent exercise behavior.
To examine how these influences vary across different age groups and sexes.

Main Methods:

Analysis of data from 8,355 adolescent twins across three age cohorts (13-19 years).
Assessment of exercise behavior through surveys on type, frequency, and duration of leisure activities.
Application of genetic structural equation modeling with a liability threshold model.

Main Results:

Genetic factors accounted for a substantial majority of the variance in exercise behavior (72%–85%).
Shared environmental factors had a significant impact only on younger adolescent girls (46% at ages 13-14).
Moderate exercise prevalence decreased with age, while sedentary behavior increased; vigorous exercise remained stable.

Conclusions:

Adolescent exercise behavior is predominantly heritable, with genetic effects on exercise ability being a likely explanation.
Environmental influences are less significant overall but may play a role in early adolescence, particularly for girls.