Genetic architecture of motives for leisure-time physical activity: a twin study

S. Aaltonen*, J. Kaprio, E. Vuoksimaa, C. Huppertz, U. M. Kujala, K. Silventoinen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the contribution of genetic and environmental influences on motives for engaging in leisure-time physical activity. The participants were obtained from the FinnTwin16 study. A modified version of the Recreational Exercise Motivation Measure was used to assess the motives for leisure-time physical activity in 2542 twin individuals (mean age of 34.1 years). Linear structural equation modeling was used to investigate the genetic and environmental influences on motive dimensions. The highest heritability estimates were found for the motive dimensions of “enjoyment” [men 33% (95% CI 23–43%), women 53% (95% CI 45–60%)] and “affiliation” [men 39% (95% CI 0.28–0.49%), women 35% (95% CI 0.25–0.43%)]. The lowest heritability estimates were found for others’ expectations [men 13% (95% CI 0.04–0.25%), women 15% (95% CI 0.07–0.24%)]. Unique environmental influences explained the remaining variances, which ranged from 47% to 87%. The heritability estimates for summary variables of intrinsic and extrinsic motives were 36% and 32% for men and 40% and 24% for women, respectively. In conclusion, genetic factors contribute to motives for leisure-time physical activity. However, the genetic effects are, at most, moderate, implying the greater relative role of environmental factors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1431-1441
Number of pages11
JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports
Volume27
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2017

Funding

The research work has been supported by the Academy of Finland (grant 266592 to SA and KS, grant 257075 to EV, and grants 100499, 205585, 141054, 265240, 263278, and 264146 to JK), the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture (to UMK, SA and KS), the Juho Vainio Foundation (to UMK, SA and KS), and the Finnish Cultural Foundation (to SA). Data collection of the FinnTwin16 Study has also been supported by the U.S. National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (grants AA-12502, AA-00145, and AA-09203 to R.J. Rose).

FundersFunder number
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and AlcoholismAA-00145, R01AA009203, AA-12502
Academy of Finland141054, 264146, 205585, 263278, 266592, 265240, 100499, 257075
Suomen Kulttuurirahasto
Opetus- ja Kulttuuriministeriö
Juho Vainion Säätiö

    Keywords

    • Exercise
    • heritability
    • motivation
    • twins

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