Prevention

2.4.5 Personalisation of physical activity

The personalization of physical activity programs through the integration of genetic information and phenotypic characteristics represents a promising approach to optimizing exercise outcomes. There is emerging, albeit nascent, evidence for the role of genetic factors in individual responses to exercise, suggesting that genetic profiles may help inform tailored exercise regimens. Specific genetic variants, particularly those associated with muscle composition and aerobic capacity, can significantly impact an individual’s responsiveness to various training programs (Ross et al., 2019). This genetic insight could potentially enhance the design of personalized exercise programs that are better aligned with individual genetic predispositions.

Understanding phenotypic traits such as fitness levels and lifestyle is crucial for developing personalized exercise experiences. For example, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) -a key metric for cardiorespiratory fitness -is established as a reliable indicator of cardiovascular health and mortality risk. Individuals with higher VO2 max levels experience lower mortality rates and are less likely to develop chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes (Strasser & Burtscher, 2018). Furthermore, VO2 max is modifiable, and thus can provide an important marker for predicting healthspan and lifespan. Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to enhance VO2 max, thereby contributing to improved cardiovascular health and extended life expectancy (Yousaf & Marwat, 2022).

By leveraging machine learning algorithms and wearable technology, future applications could continuously adjust workout suggestions based on real-time data, such as heart rate and individual preferences, thereby enhancing motivation and adherence to physical activity (Jubair & Mehenaz, 2024).