Genetic Variability among Power Athletes: The Stronger versus the Faster

Background: Athletic events can be divided into an `aerobic-type event` or an `anaerobic-type event` based on energetic usage. Power, speed, and strength, are also used to specify sports subtypes. Weightlifters, sprinters, and jumpers feature high-intensity efforts lasting a few seconds. However, their performance requires different proportions of power, speed, and strength.

Aim: The aim of the current study was to examine genetic differences between subtypes of anaerobic athletes in three relevant 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 metabolism

Methods: 71 sprinters and jumpers (S/J), 54 weightlifters (WL) and 86 controls participated in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood using standard protocol. Genotypes were determined using Taqman allelic discrimination assay.

Results: ACTN3 RR-genotype frequency was significantly higher among S/J (39.4%) compared to WL (22.2%) and controls (18.6%). AGT ThrThr-genotype was significantly higher among WL (25.9%) compared to S/J (4.2%) and controls (12.8%). PPARD T294C genotype frequencies did not differ between groups.

Discussion: The results suggest that, although both speed and strength are anaerobic qualities, it seems that each is dominated by a different genetic makeup enabling an athlete to excel in speed-oriented events (sprints), or in strength-oriented events (weightlifting).