Translating Genomic Advances to Physical Therapist Practice: A Closer Look at the Nature and Nurture of Common Diseases

Phys Ther. 2015 Dec 4. [Epub ahead of print]

Translating Genomic Advances to Physical Therapist Practice: A Closer Look at the Nature and Nurture of Common Diseases.

Curtis CL1, Goldberg A2, Kleim JA3, Wolf SL4.

Author information

• 1C.L. Curtis, PT, EdD, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences and Practice, Institute of Public Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595 (USA).
• 2A. Goldberg, PT, PhD, Physical Therapy Department, School of Health Professions and Studies, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, Michigan.
• 3J.A. Kleim, PhD, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
• 4S.L. Wolf, PT, PhD, FAPTA, FAHA, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta, Georgia.

Abstract

The Human Genome Project and the International HapMap Projects have yielded new understanding of the influence of the human genome on health and disease advancing healthcare in significant ways. In personalized medicine, genetic factors are used to identify disease risk and tailor preventive and therapeutic regimens. Insight into the genetic bases of cellular processes is revealing the causes of disease and effects of exercise. Many diseases known to have a major lifestyle contribution are highly influenced by common genetic variants. Genetic variants are associated with increased risk for common diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoarthritis (OA). Exercise response is also influenced by genetic factors. Knowledge of genetic factors can help clinicians better understand inter-individual differences in disease presentation, pain experience and exercise response. Family health history is an important genetic tool and encourages clinicians to consider the wider client-family unit. Clinicians in this new era need to be prepared to guide patients and their families on a variety of genomics-related concerns including genetic testing and other ethical, legal or social issues. It is thus essential that clinicians reconsider the role of genetics in the preservation of wellness and risk for disease to identify ways to best optimize fitness, health or recovery. Clinicians with knowledge of the influence of genetic variants on health and disease will be uniquely positioned to institute individualized lifestyle interventions, thereby fulfilling roles in prevention and wellness. This article describes how discoveries in genomics are rapidly evolving the understanding of health and disease by highlighting two conditions, CVD and OA. Genetic factors related to exercise effects are also considered.