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Updated: May 24, 2026
08:26
Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running
Published on: July 17, 2020
Evolutionary aspects of human exercise--born to run purposefully.
1Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. mattsonm@grc.nia.nih.gov
Ageing Research Reviews
|March 8, 2012
Summary
Human evolution favored endurance running, influencing our genes for healthspan. Understanding exercise
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Human genetics
- Exercise physiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The human genome (Homo sapiens) evolved to support an endurance runner phenotype, distinct from other primates.
- Genetic predispositions for exercise have implications for aging populations in modern, technology-driven societies.
- Exercise capacity offers survival benefits beyond the reproductive period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To raise awareness of the adaptive value of endurance exercise in human evolutionary history.
- To explore the implications of exercise genetics for aging populations.
- To highlight the healthspan-extending mechanisms of endurance exercise.
Main Methods:
- Review of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying exercise capacity.
- Examination of signaling pathways connecting endurance running, brain function, and physiological responses.
- Focus on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a key mediator.
Main Results:
- Endurance exercise up-regulates genes for cellular protection (oxidative stress, damaged protein/organelle disposal) and bioenergetics.
- Endurance running alters brain structure and function through specific signaling mechanisms.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediates exercise effects on the brain and regulates metabolic/cardiovascular responses.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the healthspan-extending actions of endurance exercise can inform new approaches to improving quality of life.
- The evolutionary legacy of endurance running offers insights into optimizing health in aging populations.
- Targeting exercise-related molecular pathways, like BDNF, may enhance longevity and well-being.
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