WHY DO SOME INDIVIDUALS MAINTAIN EXERCISE MORE EASILY THAN OTHERS? THE ROLE OF GENETIC FACTORS AND APPLICATIONS IN HEALTHCARE

Nguyễn Sang 1 , Trần Quốc Doanh
1 Bệnh viện Quân y 175
* Corresponding author:

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DOI
10.63947/bvtn.v2i8.2
Published
2026-06-07
Issue Vol. 2 No. 8 (2026): Geriatric Medicine in the Era of Personalization, Technology, and Prevention
Section
Review Article
Categories
Research

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1.
Sang N, Quốc Doanh T. WHY DO SOME INDIVIDUALS MAINTAIN EXERCISE MORE EASILY THAN OTHERS? THE ROLE OF GENETIC FACTORS AND APPLICATIONS IN HEALTHCARE. JHA [Internet]. Vietnam; 2026 Jun. 7 [cited 2026 Jun. 18];2(8):9–15. https://tcsuckhoelaohoa.vn/bvtn/article/view/186 doi: 10.63947/bvtn.v2i8.2
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Abstract

Physical activity behavior varies substantially among individuals and cannot be fully explained by environmental factors alone. Increasing evidence suggests that genetic factors play an important role in shaping individuals’ propensity to engage in and maintain exercise. This review aims to synthesize current evidence regarding the role of genetic factors in physical activity behavior. Relevant studies were identified through systematic searches of PubMed and Scopus databases from 2000 to 2025, focusing on human studies investigating the association between genetic factors and physical activity behavior. Multiple genetic loci associated with physical activity levels and behavioral tendencies have been identified. Neural mechanisms, particularly the dopaminergic system, appear to play a central role, alongside psychological mediators and gene–environment interactions. Exercise behavior is a multifactorial trait in which genetic factors contribute significantly but are not deterministic. Personalized approaches based on biological and behavioral characteristics hold promise for improving the effectiveness of physical activity interventions.

 

Keywords

physical activity exercise behavior genetics dopaminergic system personalization

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