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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Driven to be inactive? The genetics of physical activity
Trudy Moore-Harrison1, J Timothy Lightfoot
1Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science
|November 2, 2010
Summary
Genetics plays a role in physical activity levels and obesity. Understanding these genetic factors can improve interventions for sedentary behavior and promote healthier lifestyles.
Area of Science:
- Exercise science
- Genetics
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Physical inactivity is linked to obesity and other health issues.
- Individual physical activity levels are influenced by multiple factors.
- Emerging research suggests a genetic component to physical activity behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between genetics and physical activity.
- To identify genomic quantitative trait loci related to physical activity.
- To lay the groundwork for future research into the genetic regulation of physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing human and animal model research.
- Identification of significant and suggestive genomic quantitative trait loci (QTLs).
Main Results:
- Genetics is demonstrably associated with physical activity levels.
- Several genomic QTLs linked to physical activity have been identified.
- The specific causal genes influencing physical activity remain largely unknown.
Conclusions:
- Current research establishes a foundation for investigating the genetic underpinnings of physical activity.
- Further studies are needed to identify causal genes and their mechanisms of action.
- This knowledge can enhance physical activity behavior change interventions, particularly for genetically predisposed inactive individuals.
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