Genetic aspects of physical activity and health related physical fitness. A study of twins aged 12-to-40 years from the Azores Islands (Portugal)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate genetic variation of twins in the archipelago of the Azores (Portugal), in the areas of physical activity and health-related physical fi tness. Based on a sample of 64 twin pairs, aged 12 to 40 years, from 8 of the 9 islands, we evaluated (1) levels of physical activity based on the Baecke questionnaire, and (2) health-related physical fitness values, as provided by the Fitnessgram test battery. Standard statistical procedures were used for these analyses, as well as inheritabilities estimates (h2). All calculation were performed on SPSS 10 and SYSTAT 10. Results revealed moderate to high h2 estim ates for physical activity, between 23.4% and 77%. A similar picture was observed in the marker test for physical fi tness; between 30% and 80%. We may conclude that moderate to high genetic differences between subjects are responsible for the heterogeneity of observed values in physical activity and physical fi tness. It should also be mentioned that environmental factors are also important, opening an important window for physical and sports education, as well as for other environmental factors.