Faculty Sponsor(s)
Sarah Coste and Catherine Reinke
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Subject Area
Health, Human Performance and Athletics
Description
Purpose: Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that causes inactivation of monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the MAO-A gene can change transcriptional activity and the amount of MAO-A produced, leading to alterations in available dopamine levels. MAO-A polymorphisms have been associated with physical activity level. This study examined whether motivation to exercise, and levels of voluntary physical activity are associated with MAO-A gene polymorphisms.
Methods: Seventy-one participants (18-24 years, 13 males & 58 females) completed the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionaire-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 isolated from a cheek cell sample. 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 (ave 1.17 ± 0.7) compared to the low transcription 3/3 genotype (ave 0.42 ± 0.5). Internal motivation to exercise, body mass index, and weekly MET minutes were 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.
Recommended Citation
Kinney, Erin M.; Coste, Sarah; and Reinke, Catherine, "Examination of the Monoamine Oxidase a Gene Promoter on Motivation to Exercise and Levels of Voluntary Physical Activity" (2017). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 6.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2017/all/6
Examination of the Monoamine Oxidase a Gene Promoter on Motivation to Exercise and Levels of Voluntary Physical Activity
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Purpose: Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that causes inactivation of monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the MAO-A gene can change transcriptional activity and the amount of MAO-A produced, leading to alterations in available dopamine levels. MAO-A polymorphisms have been associated with physical activity level. This study examined whether motivation to exercise, and levels of voluntary physical activity are associated with MAO-A gene polymorphisms.
Methods: Seventy-one participants (18-24 years, 13 males & 58 females) completed the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionaire-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 isolated from a cheek cell sample. 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 (ave 1.17 ± 0.7) compared to the low transcription 3/3 genotype (ave 0.42 ± 0.5). Internal motivation to exercise, body mass index, and weekly MET minutes were 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.
Comments
For the senior thesis based on this research, refer to Examination of the Monoamine Oxidase A Gene Promoter on Motivation to Exercise and Levels of Voluntary Physical Activity.