Genes and physical education in old age
To date, regular physical activity is the only intervention that has a scientifically proven ability to slow down the age-associated decline in body functions. Based on this, elderly people are recommended to exercise, but the reaction of an aging body to training varies very widely.
One of the potential reasons for such variability is polymorphism, which consists in the presence of insertion (insertion, I) or deletion (deletion, D) of a certain fragment in a certain section of the gene encoding the angiotensin converting enzyme. It is known that this polymorphism affects various physiological aspects of the body's adaptation to physical exertion.
In order to understand this issue, scientists from the University of Florida conducted a study involving 424 people aged 70-89 years. All participants had problems with the musculoskeletal system and led a sedentary lifestyle. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups. During the year, classes were held with one group on healthy nutrition, proper medication intake, as well as other aspects of a healthy lifestyle. As part of the study, the participants in this group did not receive any physical activity. In contrast, the participants of the second group were taught various exercises that increase muscle strength (for example, squats and leg lifts), as well as improving the ability to maintain balance. They were also recommended to go hiking both as part of group classes and on their own.
At the end of the study period, the researchers assessed the severity of changes in walking speed, as well as the ability of participants to perform other tasks, such as getting up from a chair. It turned out that in the physical activity group, the most pronounced improvements in walking speed were achieved by carriers of the ID and DD genotypes (29.9% and 13.7%, respectively). Among carriers of genotype II, on the contrary, members of the healthy lifestyle group achieved slightly better results in increasing walking speed than members of the physical activity group (20% compared to 18.5%).
The results obtained indicate that the I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene is a significant factor determining the reaction of an aging organism to physical activity. Knowledge of this pattern can help in the development of more effective individual recommendations for improving the physical fitness of older people and preventing them from losing their legal capacity.
Article by Thomas W. Buford et al. Genetic influence on exercise-induced changes in physical function among mobility-limited older adults is published in the journal Physiological Genomics.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of The American Physiological Society:
Genes May Thwart Seniors’ Exercise Gains.
18.03.2014