Researchers Mark Olfert of the University of California and Claude Bouchard of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center teamed up with other researchers and scientists. They studied the possibility of genetics having an effect on an individual’s ability to adapt to exercise. They found that genes offer an explanation for the differences in people’s physical aptitude. For example it takes one person much longer to reach a certain level than it would another person.
Olfert put forward the idea that the removal of the gene thrombospondin would allow more oxygen to reach the muscle during exercise, therefore suggesting individuals without thrombospondin in their DNA need less training than those with that gene.
Olfert studied the differences between mice with the thrombospondin gene and those without. As anticipated, those without the gene were able to exercise much harder. However, the effects of these genes are quite minor. Further studies done on humans found that 25-50% of variation in oxygen uptake was hereditary.
This research will help those who struggle to adapt to exercise, and may aid in shaping an overall healthier community.
Link to article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142782.php
