The Preliminary Phase of Junior Athlete Selection for the Sport Human Genome Project in Some Track and Field Events (Phase II)

Abstract

There is strong evidence that genes and genetic factors influence physical performance. This was why we developed the Sport Human Genome Project (SHGP), aiming at selecting junior players in some track and field events. Phase I of the project has already been completed and the present study aimed at implementing Phase II. This was done through identifying the genetic patterns of the ACE (DD,II) gene and the ACTN3 (RR,XX), and determining the best human elements according to genetic tests. The research sample consisted of 20 junior athletes with ages in the range 13.80 ± 0.410, who were selected in Phase I of the project. Morphological, physical and physiological measurements were taken of the sample, with the aim of finding those with genetic patterns for the ACE and ACTN3 genes through analysis of the DNA of blood sample using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and comparing the differences between groups of genetic patterns. Results showed the distribution of the genetic patterns of the ACE gene (genetic pattern ID: 70%; genetic pattern II: 10% and genetic pattern DD: 20%) and the genetic patterns of the ACTN3 gene (the genetic pattern RX: 60%; the genetic pattern RR: 20% and the genetic pattern XX: 20%) in the research sample. Another result was that genetic patterns are closely related to the selection of juniors. Individuals with the genetic pattern ACE II demonstrated greater ability in endurance activities, while those with the genetic pattern ACTN3 RR showed greater ability in speed activities. The best human elements constituted 30% of the sample size, based on genetic tests. The study recommended starting Phase III of the SHGP project on some track and field events.