Int J Biol Sci 2010; 6(2):133-150. doi:10.7150/ijbs.6.133 This issue Cite

Review

Does the difference between physically active and couch potato lie in the dopamine system?

Amy M. Knab1,2 , J Timothy Lightfoot1

1. Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina, Charlotte NC, USA
2. Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis NC, USA

Citation:
Knab AM, Lightfoot JT. Does the difference between physically active and couch potato lie in the dopamine system?. Int J Biol Sci 2010; 6(2):133-150. doi:10.7150/ijbs.6.133. https://www.ijbs.com/v06p0133.htm
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Abstract

Obesity and other inactivity related diseases are increasing at an alarming rate especially in Western societies. Because of this, it is important to understand the regulating mechanisms involved in physical activity behavior. Much research has been done in regard to the psychological determinants of physical activity behavior; however, little is known about the underlying genetic and biological factors that may contribute to regulation of this complex trait. It is true that a significant portion of any trait is regulated by genetic and biological factors. In the case of voluntary physical activity behavior, these regulating mechanisms appear to be concentrated in the central nervous system. In particular, the dopamine system has been shown to regulate motor movement, as well as motivation and reward behavior. The pattern of regulation of voluntary physical activity by the dopamine system is yet to be fully elucidated. This review will summarize what is known about the dopamine system and regulation of physical activity, and will present a hypothesis of how this signaling pathway is mechanistically involved in regulating voluntary physical activity behavior. Future research in this area will aid in developing personalized strategies to prevent inactivity related diseases.

Keywords: Physical activity, behavior, dopamine, dopamine receptors, dopamine signaling, wheel running, motivation


Citation styles

APA
Knab, A.M., Lightfoot, J.T. (2010). Does the difference between physically active and couch potato lie in the dopamine system?. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 6(2), 133-150. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.6.133.

ACS
Knab, A.M.; Lightfoot, J.T. Does the difference between physically active and couch potato lie in the dopamine system?. Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2010, 6 (2), 133-150. DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.6.133.

NLM
Knab AM, Lightfoot JT. Does the difference between physically active and couch potato lie in the dopamine system?. Int J Biol Sci 2010; 6(2):133-150. doi:10.7150/ijbs.6.133. https://www.ijbs.com/v06p0133.htm

CSE
Knab AM, Lightfoot JT. 2010. Does the difference between physically active and couch potato lie in the dopamine system?. Int J Biol Sci. 6(2):133-150.

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