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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02416882

Exercise Genes: Genomic Association With Exercise Reinforcement

This study tests whether different physical activity patterns are linked an individual's genes.

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Key information

Conditions

Overweight Behavior Body Weight Motor Activity Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Overnutrition Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Physical Activity Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center

Grand Forks, North Dakota, 58203, United States

About this study

The investigators propose that an individual's genetics are one factor that may be associated with the motivating aspect or attractiveness of exercise and therefore the choice to exercise rather than be sedentary. They propose to study the association of the genomic signatures with the reinforcing (motivating) value of different types of exercise. This has never been investigated and may uncover underlying mechanisms that would help to understand individual differences in exercise motivation. The ultimate impact of this work is a greater number of Americans being physically active, meeting the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) dietary guidelines for physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight. This study will be funded and undertaken at the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center (GFHNRC). The purpose will be to assess genetic underpinnings of the motivating value of resistance and aerobic exercise, and to determine whether the motivating value of aerobic and resistance exercise are associated with usual participation in these modes of exercise.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • BMI within 18.5-35.0 kg/m2
  • Healthy enough to exercise
  • Active or inactive (not exercising at this time)

Exclusion criteria

  • Taking any drugs that affect energy expenditure (e.g., thyroid, glucose-lowering drugs)
  • Have gained or lost more than 5% of body weight over the past 6 months
  • Use tobacco
  • Pregnant or lactating or plan to become pregnant in the next 6 months
  • Have any health conditions that prevent the individual from safely exercising (e.g., cardiovascular, liver, endocrine, or pulmonary diseases)

Treatment and study plan

Aerobic Exercise

Other

Subjects will sample and rate their liking of three cardiovascular machines (treadmill, cycle ergometer, elliptical step ergometer) to determine which one will be used during the test.

Resistance Exercise

Other

Subjects will sample and rate their liking of three different resistance training circuits (upper body, lower body, core) to determine which one will be used during the test.

Sedentary Option

Other

Subjects will rate their liking of three sedentary activities (reading magazines, playing puzzles, completing word games) as an alternative to exercise.

Primary outcomes

  1. Relative reinforcing value (RRV) of physical activity

    Time frame: Week 0 (Cross-sectional)

    RRV of physical activity will be assessed by evaluating the number of responses (mouse button presses) a subject is willing to complete to gain access to physical activity or a sedentary alternative.

  2. Preference for intense physical activity and tolerance for exercise discomfort

    Time frame: Week 0 (Cross-sectional)

    Preference for intense physical activity and tolerance for exercise discomfort will be assessed by self-report questionnaire responses.

  3. Genotypes of 23 small nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously identified to influence central dopamine release or uptake, reward, or physical activity

    Time frame: Week 0 (Cross-sectional)

    SNP genotyping will be performed on 3-5 ml samples of whole blood collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-containing tubes followed by allelic-discrimination analysis for the amplification and identification of each SNP.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center

Fed

Registry information

Acronym: ExGenes

Important dates

Study start
2015
Primary completion
2015
Study completion
2015
First posted
Apr 15, 2015
Registry last updated
Apr 11, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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