Does the PPARA Intron 7 Gene Variant (rs4253778) Influence Performance in Power/Strength-Oriented Athletes? A Case-Control Replication Study in Three Cohorts of European Gymnasts

Genomic predictors of physical activity and athletic performance

Physical activity and athletic performance are complex phenotypes influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Recent advances in lifestyle and behavioral genomics led to the discovery of dozens of DNA polymorphisms (variants) associated with physical activity and allowed to use them as genetic instruments in Mendelian randomization studies for identifying the causal links between physical activity and health outcomes. On the other hand, exercise and sports genomics studies are focused on the search for genetic variants associated with athlete status, sports injuries and individual responses to training and supplement use. In this review, the findings of studies investigating genetic markers and their associations with physical activity and athlete status are reported. As of the end of September 2023, a total of 149 variants have been associated with various physical activity traits (of which 42 variants are genome-wide significant) and 253 variants have been linked to athlete status (115 endurance-related, 96 power-related, and 42 strength-related).

The Role of AGT, AMPD1, HIF1α, IL-6 Gene Polymorphisms in the Athletes' Power Status: A Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis was designed to investigate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms (AGT rs699, AMPD1 rs17602729, HIF1α rs11549465, IL-6 rs1800795) and power athletes' status. Only case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. A systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed to identify relevant studies and 23 studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The data from the included studies were pooled and analyzed using a random effects or fix effects model. The effect size was calculated as the odds ratio or a risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals. The results showed that certain genetic polymorphisms, AGT rs699 Thr allele, HIF1A rs11549465 Ser allele and AMPD1 rs17602729 C allele, were significantly more prevalent in power athletes (p < 0.05). When examining the genotype frequency distribution of AGT rs699 and AMPD1 rs17602729, significant differences were found in both the dominant and recessive models (p < 0.05). The results indicate that these gene polymorphisms play a role in power athlete status, however, new and more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm these results.

Genes and Athletic Performance: The 2023 Update

Phenotypes of athletic performance and exercise capacity are complex traits influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This update on the panel of genetic markers (DNA polymorphisms) associated with athlete status summarises recent advances in sports genomics research, including findings from candidate gene and genome-wide association (GWAS) studies, meta-analyses, and findings involving larger-scale initiatives such as the UK Biobank. As of the end of May 2023, a total of 251 DNA polymorphisms have been associated with athlete status, of which 128 genetic markers were positively associated with athlete status in at least two studies (41 endurance-related, 45 power-related, and 42 strength-related). The most promising genetic markers include the AMPD1 rs17602729 C, CDKN1A rs236448 A, HFE rs1799945 G, MYBPC3 rs1052373 G, NFIA-AS2 rs1572312 C, PPARA rs4253778 G, and PPARGC1A rs8192678 G alleles for endurance; ACTN3 rs1815739 C, AMPD1 rs17602729 C, CDKN1A rs236448 C, CPNE5 rs3213537 G, GALNTL6 rs558129 T, IGF2 rs680 G, IGSF3 rs699785 A, NOS3 rs2070744 T, and TRHR rs7832552 T alleles for power; and ACTN3 rs1815739 C, AR ≥21 CAG repeats, LRPPRC rs10186876 A, MMS22L rs9320823 T, PHACTR1 rs6905419 C, and PPARG rs1801282 G alleles for strength. It should be appreciated, however, that elite performance still cannot be predicted well using only genetic testing.

Isokinetic leg muscle strength relationship to dynamic balance reflects gymnast-specific differences in adolescent females

Balance, together with other motor qualities, plays an important role in the successful execution of specific gymnastic skills. However, it is also not clear whether different demands on dynamic balance and power produced by lower limb can be observed in sport-specific differences among gymnasts of various modalities. The question also is as to what extent isokinetic leg muscle strength contributes to anterior and posterior postural stability in gymnasts. Therefore, the aim of the study was i) to compare variables of dynamic balance and isokinetic leg muscle strength in rhythmic, artistic, and aerobic gymnasts, and ii) to investigate the relationship of reach distances in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions, as well as the composite score in the Y-balance test with an isokinetic muscle strength during knee extension and flexion at different velocities in female gymnasts of various disciplines. Altogether seven aerobic, five artistic, and six rhythmic gymnasts performed the Y-balance test and isokinetic leg muscle strength test at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s. Results showed significant between-group differences in the composite score in the Y-balance test of the dominant (F = 3.536, p = .041) and non-dominant symmetry (F = 4.804, p = .015). Similarly, average power produced during knee extension and knee flexion at 60°/s, 180°/s and 300°/s differed significantly among these groups (all at p˂0.05). In addition, there was a significant relationship between the composite score of the dominant limb symmetry and isokinetic dominant limb extension strength at 60°/s (r = .54), 180°/s (r = .87), and 300°/s (r = .84) in aerobic gymnasts. The composite score of the dominant limb symmetry was also associated with isokinetic dominant limb extension strength, albeit only at 60°/s in both artistic (r = .60) and rhythmic gymnasts (r = .55). Such between-group differences may be ascribed to their different demands on maintenance of balance under dynamic conditions and leg muscle power within their sport specializations. Taking into account significant association between the dominant limb symmetry and isokinetic dominant limb extension strength, it may be concluded that both muscle strength and fast speeds contribute to dynamic balance in adolescent gymnasts.