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McAuley ABT, Hughes DC, Tsaprouni LG, Varley I, Suraci B, Bradley B, Baker J, Herbert AJ, Kelly AL. Genetic Associations With Acceleration, Change of Direction, Jump Height, and Speed in English Academy Football Players. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:350-359. [PMID: 38258831 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT McAuley, ABT, Hughes, DC, Tsaprouni, LG, Varley, I, Suraci, B, Bradley, B, Baker, J, Herbert, AJ, and Kelly, AL. Genetic associations with acceleration, change of direction, jump height, and speed in English academy football players. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 350-359, 2024-High-intensity movements and explosive actions are commonly assessed during athlete development in football (soccer). Although many environmental factors underpin these power-orientated traits, research suggests that there is also a sizeable genetic component. Therefore, this study examined the association of 22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with acceleration, change of direction, jump height, and speed in academy football players. One hundred and forty-nine, male, under-12 to under-23 football players from 4 English academies were examined. Subjects performed 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-m sprints, countermovement jumps (CMJs), and the 5-0-5 agility test. Simple linear regression was used to analyze individual SNP associations, whereas both unweighted and weighted total genotype scores (TGS; TWGS) were computed to measure the combined influence of all SNPs. To control for multiple testing, a Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate of 0.05 was applied to all genotype model comparisons. In isolation, the GALNT13 (rs10196189) G allele and IL6 (rs1800795) G/G genotype were associated with faster (∼4%) 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprints and higher (∼16%) CMJs, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the TGS and TWGS significantly correlated with all performance assessments, explaining between 6 and 33% of the variance (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that some genetic variants are associated with power-orientated phenotypes in youth football players and may add value toward a future polygenic profile of physical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B T McAuley
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - David C Hughes
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Loukia G Tsaprouni
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Varley
- Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bruce Suraci
- Academy Coaching Department, AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth, United Kingdom; and
| | - Ben Bradley
- Academy Coaching Department, AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth, United Kingdom; and
| | - Joseph Baker
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam J Herbert
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
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McAuley ABT, Varley I, Herbert AJ, Suraci B, Baker J, Johnston K, Kelly AL. Maturity-Associated Polygenic Profiles of under 12-16-Compared to under 17-23-Year-Old Male English Academy Football Players. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1431. [PMID: 37510335 PMCID: PMC10380058 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine polygenic profiles previously associated with maturity timing in male academy football players across different age phases. Thus, 159 male football players from four English academies (U12-16, n = 86, aged 13.58 ± 1.58 years; U17-23, n = 73, aged 18.07 ± 1.69 years) and 240 male European controls were examined. Polygenic profiles comprised 39 single nucleotide polymorphisms and were analysed using unweighted and weighted total genotype scores (TGSs; TWGSs). There were significant differences in polygenic profiles between groups, whereby U17-23 players had more genetic variants associated with later maturity compared to U12-16 players (TGS, p = 0.010; TWGS, p = 0.024) and controls (TGS, p = 0.038; TWGS, p = 0.020). More specifically, U17-23 players had over two-times the odds of possessing >36 later-maturing alleles than <30 compared to U12-16 players (odds ratio (OR) = 2.84) and controls (OR = 2.08). These results suggest there was a greater proportion of relatively later-maturing players as maturation plateaus towards adulthood, which may be explained by the 'underdog hypothesis'. This study provides the first known molecular evidence that supports the notion that a maturity selection bias exists within male academy football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B T McAuley
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK
| | - Ian Varley
- Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Adam J Herbert
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK
| | - Bruce Suraci
- Academy Coaching Department, AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth BH7 7AF, UK
| | - Joseph Baker
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Kathryn Johnston
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK
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Johnston K, McAuley ABT, Kelly AL, Baker J. Language games and blurry terminology: Can clarity enhance athlete development? Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1150047. [PMID: 37139303 PMCID: PMC10150101 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1150047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This perspective focuses on the need for researchers and practitioners to carefully consider the clarity and consistency of their language in the context of athlete development. Evidence supporting a lack of congruency in the way certain terms and expressions are defined, understood, and operationalized continues to accumulate, highlighting the importance of this area for sport stakeholders and the potential looming crises. In systems that regularly rely on precision and accuracy, it will be critical that all involved in the co-creation of knowledge generation and application carefully consider terms that may further complicate athlete development practices. We highlight some potentially blurry terms and draw attention to potential avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Johnston
- Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Correspondence: Kathryn Johnston
| | - Alexander B. T. McAuley
- Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, WMD, United Kingdom
| | - Adam L. Kelly
- Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, WMD, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Baker
- Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Dimundo F, Cole M, Blagrove RC, McAuley ABT, Till K, Kelly AL. Talent Identification in an English Premiership Rugby Union Academy: Multidisciplinary Characteristics of Selected and Non-selected Male Under-15 Players. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:688143. [PMID: 34179777 PMCID: PMC8225930 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.688143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Entry into an academy can be a defining moment for a promising young player. The aim of this study was to explore the multidimensional characteristics that differentiated selected and non-selected male under-15 rugby union players at an English Premiership academy. Seventy-four players (mean age 14.6 ± 0.3 years: selected n = 29; non-selected n = 45) were measured across nine characteristics from four overarching factors: (a) anthropometric (n = 2), (b) physiological (n = 5), (c) cognitive (n = 1), and (d) birth quartile. An ANOVA compared differences between groups (selected vs. non-selected), whilst a Welch's t-test and Cohen's d were used for further comparisons. A multivariate logistic regression was also used to predict selection. Results showed significant differences between selected and non-selected players for anthropometric (P = 0.021) and physiological factors (P < 0.001). Moreover, relatively older players were overrepresented with 65% born in the first half of the year, whereas no significant differences were apparent for the cognitive test. More specifically, selected players possessed greater body mass (P = 0.022, d = 0.5) and handgrip strength (P = 0.020, d = 0.5) compared to non-selected players, whilst multivariate analysis showed the 20 m sprint explained 25.4% of the variance (P = 0.001). Overall, it appears selection into an English Premiership rugby union academy may be due to enhanced physical attributes rather than cognitive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dimundo
- Department of Sport and Exercise, Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Worcester Warriors Rugby Football Club, Sixways Stadium, Worcester, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Cole
- Department of Sport and Exercise, Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard C Blagrove
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander B T McAuley
- Department of Sport and Exercise, Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Till
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Department of Sport and Exercise, Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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McAuley ABT, Hughes DC, Tsaprouni LG, Varley I, Suraci B, Roos TR, Herbert AJ, Kelly AL. The association of the ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms with athlete status in football: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sports Sci 2021; 39:200-211. [PMID: 32856541 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1812195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to assess the association of ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms with athlete status in football and determine which allele and/or genotypes are most likely to influence this phenotype via a meta-analysis. A comprehensive search identified 17 ACTN3 and 19 ACE studies. Significant associations were shown between the presence of the ACTN3 R allele and professional footballer status (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.18-1.53) and the ACE D allele and youth footballers (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01-1.38). More specifically, the ACTN3 RR genotype (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.23-1.77) and ACE DD genotype (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.02-1.63) exhibited the strongest associations, respectively. These findings may be explained by the association of the ACTN3 RR genotype and ACE DD genotype with power-orientated phenotypes and the relative contribution of power-orientated phenotypes to success in football. As such, the results of this review provide further evidence that individual genetic variation may contribute towards athlete status and can differentiate athletes of different competitive playing statuses in a homogenous team-sport cohort. Moreover, the ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms are likely (albeit relatively minor) contributing factors that influence athlete status in football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B T McAuley
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University , Birmingham, UK
| | - David C Hughes
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University , Birmingham, UK
| | - Loukia G Tsaprouni
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University , Birmingham, UK
| | - Ian Varley
- Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University , Nottingham, UK
| | - Bruce Suraci
- Academy Coaching Department, AFC Bournemouth , Bournemouth, UK
| | - Thomas R Roos
- The International Academy of Sports Science and Technology (AISTS), University of Lausanne , Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Adam J Herbert
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University , Birmingham, UK
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University , Birmingham, UK
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McAuley ABT, Hughes DC, Tsaprouni LG, Varley I, Suraci B, Roos TR, Herbert AJ, Kelly AL. Genetic association research in football: A systematic review. Eur J Sport Sci 2020; 21:714-752. [PMID: 32466725 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1776401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variation is responsible for a large amount of the inter-individual performance disparities seen in sport. As such, in the last ten years genetic association studies have become more common; with one of the most frequently researched sports being football. However, the progress and methodological rigour of genetic association research in football is yet to be evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to identify and evaluate all genetic association studies involving football players and outline where and how future research should be directed. Firstly, a systematic search was conducted in the Pubmed and SPORTDiscus databases, which identified 80 eligible studies. Progression analysis revealed that 103 distinct genes have been investigated across multiple disciplines; however, research has predominately focused on the association of the ACTN3 or ACE gene. Furthermore, 55% of the total studies have been published within the last four years; showcasing that genetic association research in football is increasing at a substantial rate. However, there are several methodological inconsistencies which hinder research implications, such as; inadequate description or omission of ethnicity and on-field positions. Furthermore, there is a limited amount of research on several key areas crucial to footballing performance, in particular; psychological related traits. Moving forward, improved research designs, larger sample sizes, and the utilisation of genome-wide and polygenic profiling approaches are recommended. Finally, we introduce the Football Gene Project, which aims to address several of these limitations and ultimately facilitate greater individualised athlete development within football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B T McAuley
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, City South Campus, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, B15 3TN, UK
| | - David C Hughes
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Loukia G Tsaprouni
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ian Varley
- Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Bruce Suraci
- Academy Coaching Department, AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Thomas R Roos
- The International Academy of Sports Science and Technology (AISTS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Adam J Herbert
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
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