“A fast, simple and painless genetic test can identify whether you may be naturally geared toward sprint/power events, or towards endurance sporting ability.”1 This test is known as the “ACTN3 Sports Gene Test®”, it is a simple genetic analysis of an individual’s DNA. The ACTN3 test analyses the DNA sample to determine which genotype of the “α-actinin-3” gene an individual posses. What is the ACTN3 Gene?
“The ACTN3 gene instructs our body to produce a protein called alpha-actinin-3. This protein contributes to the muscle’s ability to generate forceful, repetitive muscle contraction.”1 The α-actinin-3 gene has two alleles ‘R’ and ‘X’, “Scientists have found a variant (known as R577X) in the ACTN3 gene that alters the way the body reads the ACTN3 gene instruction.”
Studies of elite athletes from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) have shown that an individual’s ACTN3 genotype can influence their ability to perform at different types of sports 2. Results of this study showed athletes specialising in endurance events had a higher frequency of both alleles as X (R577X). Respectively athletes whom specialised in sprint/power events had a higher frequency of the genotype RR (the absence in both alleles of R577X)2.
From this it can be inferred that athletes who posses both alleles as R577X are more likely to perform well in endurance events and athletes who have both alleles as R-type ACTN3 genes perform better in sprint and power style events.
References:
- YOUR GENETIC SPORTS ADVANTAGE. http://www.gtg.com.au/archives/migration/2/110/383/ACTN3%20web%20brochure.pdf
- ACTN3 Genotype Is Associated with Human Elite Athletic Performance. http://esvc001057.wic005u.server-web.com/archives/2/110.040/700/ACTN3%20Am%20J%20Hum%20Gen%2073(3).pdf
By: Alex Stevenson – 41744026
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