Genética e judô

Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2013 Jan 23. [Epub ahead of print]

ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism is not Associated with Elite Judo Athletic Status.

Rodríguez-Romo G, Yvert T, de Diego A, Santiago C, Díaz de Durana AL, Carratalá V, Garatachea N, Lucia A.

Source

INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain.

Abstract

We compared ACTN3 R577X genotype/allele frequencies in the majority of all-times best Spanish judo male athletes (n=108) and 343 ethnically-matched non-athletic men. No between-group differences were found in allele (P=0.077) or genotype distributions (P=0.178). Thus, the R577X polymorphism was not significantly associated with the status of being an elite judo athlete, at least in the Spanish population. The contribution of genetics to sports-related phenotype traits is undeniable with some genotypes, of which ACTN3 R577X is currently the leading candidate, partly allowing to distinguish individuals predisposed to either 'endurance' or more 'power' sports. However, few athletic events can be categorized as 'purely' power or endurance-based. Although genetic testing (i.e. of ACTN3 R577X) is already being marketed to predict sports talents and potentials of young children, its usefulness is still questionable, at least in competitive judo.