Senior Theses

Publication Date

6-1-2017

Document Type

Thesis (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Department

Health, Human Performance, and Athletics

Faculty Advisor(s)

Sarah Coste (Thesis Advisor)
Garry Killgore & Jeff McNamee (Committee Members)

Subject Categories

Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms | Exercise Science | Genetics | Sports Sciences

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the genetic basis underlying voluntary exercise. Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that acts on monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, to cause inactivation. There are several polymorphisms in the promoter region of the MAO-A gene, and these variations change transcriptional activity and the amount of MAO-A produced, leading to alterations in available dopamine levels. Interestingly, polymorphisms in MAO-A have been associated recently with physical activity level. This study sought to determine whether there is an association between motivation to exercise, levels of voluntary physical activity, and MAO-A gene polymorphisms.

Methods: Seventy-one participants (age 18-24 years, 13 males & 58 females) completed the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2) to assess their motivation to exercise and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess their level of physical activity. DNA was collected and isolated from a cheek cell sample. The MAO-A genotype was identified using PCR with gene specific primers. MAO-A 3/3 and 4/4 genotype individuals were used for analysis.

Results: External motivation to exercise was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the high transcription 4/4 genotype (=1.11 ± 0.8) compared to the low transcription 3/3 genotype (= 0.39 ± 0.6). Internal motivation to exercise was not different between genotypes. Body mass index and weekly MET minutes estimated by IPAQ were also comparable between genotypes.

Conclusion: The results suggest a polymorphism in this monoamine pathway may play a role in increasing sensitivity to external factors that motivate individuals to exercise.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.