Genetic Influences on Physiological and Subjective Responses to an Aerobic Exercise Session among Sedentary Adults

Abstract

Objective. To determine whether genetic variants suggested by the literature to be associated with physiology and fitness phenotypes predicted differential physiological and subjective responses to a bout of aerobic exercise among inactive but otherwise healthy adults. Method. Participants completed a 30-minute submaximal aerobic exercise session. Measures of physiological and subjective responding were taken before, during, and after exercise. 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have been previously associated with various exercise phenotypes were tested for associations with physiological and subjective response to exercise phenotypes. Results. We found that two SNPs in the FTO gene (rs8044769 and rs3751812) were related to positive affect change during exercise. Two SNPs in the CREB1 gene (rs2253206 and 2360969) were related to change in temperature during exercise and with maximal oxygen capacity (VO2 max). The SLIT2 SNP rs1379659 and the FAM5C SNP rs1935881 were associated with norepinephrine change during exercise. Finally, the OPRM1 SNP rs1799971 was related to changes in norepinephrine, lactate, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during exercise. Conclusion. Genetic factors influence both physiological and subjective responses to exercise. A better understanding of genetic factors underlying physiological and subjective responses to aerobic exercise has implications for development and potential tailoring of exercise interventions.

Mice Lacking Brinp2 or Brinp3, or Both, Exhibit Behaviors Consistent with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

“…Another explanation could be changes in levels of the stress-response neurotransmitter norepinephrine in the Brinp3 −/− mice, as Brinp3 expression correlates with changes in norepinephrine levels (Goddard et al, 2010; Karoly et al, 2012). Future steps to investigate underlying physiology, as well as the use of fear response paradigms, such as fear avoidance and fear conditioning, may further elucidate the role of Brinp3 in relation to human anxiety disorders.…”

“…Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia show altered methylation states of Brinp3 (Numata et al, 2014). Changes in BRINP3 ( FAM5C ) levels have also been reported to correlate with changes in the neurotransmitter norepinephrine during exercise (Karoly et al, 2012). …”

Affective Response to Exercise and Preferred Exercise Intensity Among Adolescents

“…In a large study of monozygotic and dizygotic twins 28 , the heritability of exercise behavior was found to average 67% across data from 7 countries. Although the mechanisms through which genetics may influence exercise behavior are most likely many and complex, recent genotyping research suggests that one pathway may be through an impact on affective response to exercise 29 . A given genotype, therefore, may predispose an individual to a more positive affective experience during exercise and thus encourage him or her to seek out future exercise opportunities.…”

Sustained improvements in fitness and exercise tolerance in obese adolescents after a 12 week exercise intervention

“…Alternate strategies such as highintensity interval training may be more successful in improving aerobic fitness in the short-term as has been observed in adults [32] and adolescents [33]. Additionally, there is evidence that genetic factors play an important role in determining an individual's response to an exercise program [34,35]. Individual tailoring of exercise interventions depending on genetic suitability may therefore be possible in future studies.…”