Recent Research in the Genetics of Exercise Training Adaptation

In the present review, we focus on evaluating the state of the literature in the area of genetic aspects of exercise training adaptation, in particular focusing on findings published since 2009. Our focus is primarily on studies examining genetic polymorphisms and their association with variability in training responses for a number of exercise-related traits, including aerobic fitness, hemodynamic variables, metabolic traits, body composition and obesity, and muscular strength and size. Very few large-scale studies are available to provide the quality scientific evidence needed to conclusively identify specific genetic factors that contribute to exercise training adaptations. As such, despite years of effort by a number of groups, the search continues for specific genes and combinations of genetic factors that contribute to the interindividual variability observed in phenotype adaptations to exercise training interventions.