But don't tear-up that health club membership yet. The specific genetic factor correlated with human physical performance is described in the current issue of Nature, page 221, by Hugh Montgomery of University College, London, UK, and colleagues. ACE is involved in the regulation of blood pressure, but there is some evidence that it also associated with development of skeletal muscle. Development of muscle would obviously lead to greater strength and endurance.
Every person carries two alleles of most genes.
Well, it looks like the I's have it. The investigators believe that these results, while intriguing, still require further work to determine whether this correlation holds true beyond the limited groups already studied. Here's the point. While we're waiting for further results, don't give up your health regime. That still leaves twenty-five percent attributed to genetic inheritance, by AgeVenture estimates.