Genetics and sport performance: current challenges and directions to the future

Abstract

In recent years there has been a great progress in molecular biology techniques, which has facilitated the researches on infl uence of genetics on human performance. There are specifi c regions of DNA that can vary between individuals. Such variations (i.e., polymorphisms) may, in part, explain why some individuals have differentiated responses to certain stimuli, including the responses to sports training. In a particular sport, the presence of specifi c polymorphisms may contribute to high levels of performance. Since 1998, several polymorphisms have been associated with athletic phenotypes; however the accumulation of information generated over these 15 years shows that the infl uence of genetics to sport is extremely complex. In this review, we will summarise the current status of the fi eld, discussing the implications of available knowledge for the practice of professionals involved with the sport and suggesting future directions for research. We also discuss topics related to the importance of polygenic profi le characterization of athletes, methods for the identifi cation of new polymorphisms associated with physical performance, the use of genetic testing for predicting competitive success, and how crucial is the genetic profi le for the success athletes in competition.

Innate talent is adaptable – comment on Baker & Wattie

“…On the other hand, interventions that are external and not invasive might be acceptable. This could include the creation of an environment that supports health, exercise selection, training programs, nutrition and regeneration for a performance-enhancing gene expression (Guilherme, Tritto, North, Lancha-Júnior, Artioli, 2014).…”

Athletic Performance and Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Gene: Review

“…Ayrıca genetik çalış-maların, sporcu özerkliği ve ayrımcılığı gibi durumlara da neden olabileceği düşünülmekte-dir. 22,[60][61][62] Son yıllarda yapılan çalışmalar, genetik testlerin atletik performanstaki önemini artırmakta ve bu testlerden elde edilen sonuçların geçerliliği, farklı bilimsel çevreler tarafından tartışılmaktadır. Gelecekte, keşfedilecek yeni gen teknolojileri ile spor genetiği alanında umut verici çalışmalar ön-görülmektedir.…”

Ethics of genetic testing and research in sport: a position statement from the Australian Institute of Sport

“…Despite the correlation between some genes and elite athletic performance, there is no scientific evidence for the predictive value of genetic profiling in sports performance. Examining genetic profiles alone cannot currently reliably predict athletic performance 37. The majority of sports have a combination of sprint/power and endurance components together with many other factors, including a broad variety of genetic, physical, environmental and psychological elements.…”