Exercise physiology and genetics

Head Acting Prof. Dr. Aivaras Ratkevičius

The research area  involves two research groups with the focus on (1) Molecular Exercise Physiology and Genetics (MEPG) as well as (2) traditionalExercise Physiology (EP). Molecular Exercise Physiology and Geneticsis a relatively new research area, which is rapidly developing. During the last 5 years a vast majority of publications on sport science in high impact journals (e. g., Journal of Physiology, Journal of Applied Physiology) have employed the methods of molecular biology and genetics.The aim of MEPGgroup is to identify genetic and molecular factors influencing the properties of skeletal muscle and to ascertain the underlying physiological mechanisms. This aim will be pursued through animal and human studies with a particular emphasis on the adaptations to muscle exercise and diet. Mechanisms governing changes in muscle and fat mass in response to caloric restriction will be the area of a particular interest. The suppression of myostatin gene as a strategy to improve muscle function will be investigated as well. EP group will focus on the specificities of children’s aerobic exercise performance, as well as the changes of cardiorespiratory function in patients with type I diabetes.This will help to improve our understanding about the relationship between physical fitness and health in the special populations which have received little attention so far.Such research can help to find new treatments and measures benefiting health and wellbeing.

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