Genetic Variability Among Power Athletes: The Stronger vs. the Faster

J Strength Cond Res. 2019 Jun;33(6):1505-1511. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001356.

Abstract

Ben-Zaken, S, Eliakim, A, Nemet, D, and Meckel, Y. Genetic variability among power athletes: the stronger vs. the faster. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-Athletic events can be divided into "aerobic-type events" or "anaerobic-type events" based on energy usage. Power, speed, and strength are also used to specify sports subtypes. Weightlifters (WLs), sprinters, and jumpers feature high-intensity efforts lasting a few seconds. However, their performance requires different proportions of power, speed, and strength. The aim of the current study was to examine genetic differences between subtypes of anaerobic athletes in 3 genetic variants: ACTN3 R577X, which is associated with muscle contractions; AGT Met235Thr which is associated with muscle growth; and PPARD T/C, which is associated with aerobic capacity. Seventy-one sprinters and jumpers (S/J), 54 WLs, and 86 controls participated in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood using a standard protocol. Genotypes were determined using a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. The ACTN3 RR genotype frequency was significantly higher among S/J (39.4%) compared with WLs (22.2%) and controls (18.6%). The AGT Thr-Thr genotype frequency was significantly higher among WLs (25.9%) compared with S/J (4.2%) and controls (12.8%). PPARD T294C genotype frequencies did not differ between groups. The results suggest that there may be a specific genetic makeup enabling an athlete to excel in speed-oriented events (sprints), rather than in strength-oriented events (weightlifting).

MeSH terms

  • Actinin / genetics*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alleles
  • Angiotensinogen / genetics*
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Contraction / genetics
  • Muscle Strength / genetics
  • Muscle, Skeletal / growth & development
  • Oxygen Consumption / genetics
  • PPAR delta / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Running / physiology*
  • Weight Lifting / physiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • ACTN3 protein, human
  • AGT protein, human
  • PPAR delta
  • Angiotensinogen
  • Actinin