Genetic influence on exercise-induced changes in physical function among mobility-limited older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Human Genetics

Background:

• Physical exercise is the sole intervention proven to slow age-related physical function decline.
• Individual responses to exercise training in older adults exhibit significant variability.
• The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene's I/D polymorphism may influence physiological adaptations to exercise, but its impact on seniors' functional outcomes is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ACE I/D genotypes and changes in physical function in Caucasian older adults.
• To determine if the ACE I/D polymorphism modulates the effectiveness of a 12-month multimodal physical activity intervention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 283 Caucasian older adults comparing physical activity to health education over 12 months.
• Assessment of physical function using usual-paced gait speed and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).
• Linear regression analysis was employed to examine genotype-treatment interactions, controlling for relevant covariates.

Main Results:

• Genotype frequencies (II, ID, DD) were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
• A significant genotype-treatment interaction was observed for both gait speed (P=0.002) and SPPB (P=0.020).
• Exercise intervention improved gait speed and SPPB scores in participants with at least one D allele (ID/DD carriers), but not in II carriers.

Conclusions:

• The ACE I/D genotype plays a role in modulating functional responses to exercise training in older adults.
• Individuals carrying the D allele may experience greater benefits from exercise interventions aimed at improving physical function.
• This finding highlights the potential for personalized exercise prescriptions based on genetic profiles.