1. The relationship between genes and sports performance
In the world of sports, practice and hard work are the keys to success, but it has become clear that genetic factors have a significant impact on performance . In recent years, genetic testing has made it possible to scientifically analyze muscle strength, endurance, recovery ability, injury risk, and other factors to clarify an athlete’s aptitude.
By utilizing this technology, it will be possible to create training and nutrition strategies tailored to each individual’s genetic characteristics , which is expected to lead to more efficient performance improvements.
2. Representative sports-related genes
Genetic testing analyzes the following key genes that influence sports performance:
(1) ACTN3 (alpha-actinin-3) gene
ACTN3 is known to be a gene involved in fast-twitch muscle fibers and influences sprinting and power sports .
RR type (functional type) → Excellent for short distance running and sprint events
RX type (hybrid type) → Good balance of muscle strength and endurance
XX type (non-functional type) → Suitable for endurance sports
It has been reported that there are many RR type athletes among Olympic athletes, and research has confirmed that they show an advantage especially in events such as track and field sprinting and weightlifting .
(2) ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) gene
The ACE gene is involved in blood flow and endurance and is an indicator of whether or not a person is suited to endurance sports.
I-type (insertion type) → Good for aerobic exercise, suitable for marathons and soccer
D type (deletion type) → Excellent in short distance and power events
These genetic differences can determine whether an athlete is better suited to sports that require endurance or explosive power .
(3) PPARGC1A (involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism)
This gene is involved in performance in endurance events , affecting long-distance events such as marathons and cycling.
High expression type → Improved endurance is expected
Low expression type → Suitable for short distance and explosive events
Genetic testing can help you determine which sport is best suited to you and optimize your training and nutrition .
Athletes with ACTN3 RR and ACE D types have the ability to produce short bursts of force. The following training is recommended for these types of athletes:
Weightlifting and sprint training
Plyometrics (jump-based training)
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
(2) Training suitable for endurance sports
Athletes with ACE type I or high expression of PPARGC1A are suited to sports that require endurance. The following training is effective for endurance athletes.
Long distance running and road cycling
Low-intensity, long-term aerobic exercise
Interval training to improve cardiovascular function
In this way, genetically based training can help maximize an individual’s potential .
4. Nutritional strategies using genetic information
Nutritional management based on genetic information is essential to improving an athlete’s performance .
(1) Nutritional strategies to maximize muscle strength
People with the RR type of ACTN3 benefit from a high-protein diet (meat, fish, eggs, protein)
For people with genetically low vitamin D metabolism, supplementation is recommended.
(2) Nutritional strategies to improve endurance
People with type I ACE should consume adequate carbohydrates (brown rice, oatmeal, fruit) to improve endurance.
People with genes that are vulnerable to oxidative stress should consume antioxidant foods (berries and nuts).
By using genetic information to manage your diet, you can use energy more efficiently and improve your recovery ability .
5. Use of genetic testing and future prospects
With the advancement of sports science, training and nutrition management using genetic information is becoming more common among top athletes. Using genetic testing has the following benefits:
Allows athletes to accurately identify their strengths and weaknesses
Enabling scientifically based individualized training
Optimize your nutrition strategy to maximize your athletic performance
In the near future, genetic testing will likely become widely available to general sports enthusiasts and junior athletes, and personalized training will become the norm .
6. Optimizing sport selection using genetic information
Genetic testing can help athletes choose the sport and position that best suits them. Understanding their genetic aptitudes can improve the efficiency of their training and sport selection .
(1) Genetic aptitude for each sport
Based on the results of genetic testing, athletic suitability can be determined as follows:
Genetic types
Suitable competition
Reason
ACTN3 RR type + ACE D type
Sprinting, weightlifting, rugby
Sports that require fast-twitch muscle dominance and explosive power
ACTN3 XX type + ACE I type
Marathon, cycling, triathlon
Excellent endurance and aerobic exercise
PPARGC1A high expression type
Soccer, basketball
Suitable for long-term exercise, it has both endurance and explosive power.
COL5A1 mutation present
Gymnastics, ballet, yoga
Suitable for long-term exercise, it has both endurance and explosive power.
In this way, by selecting sports based on genetic characteristics, it is possible to maximize an athlete’s potential .
(2) Position suitability in team sports
In team sports, different positions require different physical abilities, so genetic testing can be used to assign players to the positions most suited to them .
1. Soccer
High sprinting ability (ACTN3 RR type) → Suitable for forwards (FW) and wingers (WG)
High endurance (ACE I type) → Suitable for midfielder (MF)
Strong muscles and high injury resistance (no COL1A1 mutation) → Suitable for defenders (DF) and goalkeepers (GK)
② In the case of basketball
Excellent explosive power and jumping ability (ACTN3 RR type) → Suitable for guards and forwards
Has endurance and stamina (high expression of PPARGC1A) → Suitable for center and defense
In this way, by utilizing genetic testing, we can optimize position allocation according to each player’s aptitude .
7. Genetics and resilience: injury prevention and recovery
Genetic testing can also determine whether an athlete is prone to injury and whether they will recover quickly or slowly .
(1) Genes that increase the risk of injury
Gene
Related Injuries
Influence
COL1A1（collagen synthesis）
Ligament injury, Achilles tendon rupture
Mutations reduce ligament strength
COL5A1（joint flexibility）
Joint sprains, tendonitis
Mutations cause joints to move too much
GDF5（growth factor）
Fractures, arthritis
Cartilage repair may be slower
Athletes with genetic types that predispose them to injury can minimize their risk by taking proper precautions .
(2) Genetic-based injury prevention measures
For players with the COL1A1 mutation, intensive stretching and strengthening exercises (especially knee and ankle stability)
Athletes with COL5A1 mutations should control their range of motion and avoid overstretching.
Athletes with GDF5 mutations should actively consume calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone health
By introducing an injury prevention program based on genetic information, it will be possible to extend athletes’ playing careers .
8. Mental health management using genetic information
Mental strength is as important as physical ability for an athlete to succeed, and genetic testing can be used to evaluate stress tolerance and ability to adapt to pressure.
(1) Genes involved in stress resistance
Gene
Influence
Related features
COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase)
Dopamine metabolism
Mutations make people more likely to feel anxious
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Memory and learning ability
High expression types are resistant to pressure
5-HTTLPR (serotonin transporter)
Emotional regulation
High expression types are resistant to pressure
(2) Gene-based mental training
Athletes with COMT mutations actively use mental training and relaxation techniques (meditation, mindfulness)
Athletes with 5-HTTLPR S type should establish a pre-game routine to stay mentally stable.
Players with high expression of BDNF are more adaptable in matches and better at strategic play.
It is important to use genetic testing to understand an athlete’s mental strengths and weaknesses and provide tailored psychological support .
9. Genetic information and the future of sports science
It is expected that the use of genetic information in the sports field will continue to evolve in the future, leading to the development of more precise training and recovery strategies .
(1) Integration of AI and genetic data
AI proposes optimal strategies by integrating genetic information, training data, and match performance data
Creating optimal training plans based on individual athlete data
(2) Application of gene editing technology
There is also discussion about the possibility of using gene editing technology (CRISPR) in the future to reduce the risk of injury.
(3) Using genetic information to develop junior athletes
Sports education programs that utilize children’s genetic characteristics may become more widespread
It is expected that sports science that combines genetic data with the latest technology will make a significant contribution to the development of athletes and improving their performance in the future .
10. The future of sports using genetic information
Advances in sports science are making the use of genetic information to improve performance and prevent injuries more precise and personalized. Let’s take a closer look at how athletes, coaches, and medical teams will use genetic data in the future and how it will revolutionize the world of sports.
(1) Evolution of training programs based on genetic information
Genetic testing can reveal an athlete’s endurance, explosiveness, strength and recovery characteristics, which can be used to create more precise training programs.
1. Training optimization using AI
Combining genetic data and performance measurement data to create optimal training menus
AI analyzes data in real time and adjusts the load
For example, a sprinter with the ACTN3 RR (fast-twitch) gene can achieve maximum results by combining sprint training with appropriate strength training . On the other hand, an ACTN3 XX (slow-twitch) athlete can improve endurance efficiently by focusing on aerobic exercise and muscle endurance training.
(2) Sports teams and the use of genetic data
Professional sports teams are beginning to use players’ genetic data to take a more scientific approach to player management.
① Make the most of the players’ abilities
In soccer, ACTN3 RR type players are placed on the wings or forwards, and ACE I type players with excellent endurance are used as midfielders.
In baseball, players with genes that give them explosive power are placed in the infield, and players with endurance are placed in the outfield.
② Fatigue management and optimization of match participation strategies
Based on genetic data, we measure how quickly each player recovers from fatigue and design recovery plans between matches.
For athletes with slower recovery times , adjust sleep regimens and nutrition plans to minimize injury risk
In this way, by utilizing genetic information, it is possible to maximize athletes’ abilities and manage their condition for the long term .
11. Using genetic information to develop junior athletes
In the world of sports, it is said that proper training from an early age leads to future success . By utilizing genetic testing, it is possible to identify the characteristics of junior athletes at an early stage and design optimal training programs.
(1) Supporting junior athletes in choosing their sport
Understanding a child’s athletic characteristics based on genetic information can help them choose the right sport for them.
Genetic types
Suitable competition examples
ACTN3 RR type (fast-twitch predominant)
Sprinting, basketball, rugby
ACTN3 XX type (slow-twitch predominant)
Marathon, cycling, triathlon
COL5A1 mutation present (highly flexible)
Gymnastics, dance, rhythmic gymnastics
Understanding genetic characteristics during the junior years will enable optimal sport selection and allow for long-term growth strategies .
(2) Individualized training tailored to the child’s development
By utilizing genetic information, we can optimize training plans to suit your developmental process.
Children with genes that are more likely to build muscle should start weight training early
Children with genes that are good for endurance should focus on aerobic exercise.
By providing training tailored to each individual’s constitution, it is possible to avoid excessive strain and maximize growth .
12. Genetic data and nutritional management optimization
With the help of genetic testing, we can tailor each athlete’s nutritional needs and meal plan to suit them.
14. Advances in sports medicine using genetic information
In the field of sports medicine, researchers are researching ways to use genetic information to reduce the risk of injury and optimize recovery in athletes . In particular, the analysis of genes that determine recovery, inflammatory responses, and muscle repair capabilities is progressing, and by utilizing this data, more effective sports medicine is becoming possible.
(1) Genes involved in injury recovery
Genetic testing can be used to identify factors that determine how quickly an athlete recovers from injury .
Gene
Influence
Features
IL6（Interleukin-6）
Inflammatory response
High expression may lead to prolonged inflammation
COL1A1（collagen synthesis）
Ligament and tendon repair
Mutation slows recovery from ligament injury
VEGF（vascular endothelial growth factor）
Muscle regeneration
High expression type leads to faster muscle recovery
① Characteristics of athletes with genes that increase recovery ability
Faster muscle repair and easier response to hard training
Reduces inflammation and helps you recover from fatigue after a match
② Characteristics of athletes with genes that reduce recovery ability
Injuries are likely to last longer, so careful conditioning is required
Nutrition and rest for recovery are more important
With this information, recovery programs can be tailored to each athlete, helping to prevent long-term injury .
(2) Optimizing recovery plans using genetic data
Genetically informed recovery plans are being implemented to optimise an athlete’s speed of recovery and control of inflammation.
1. Preventive measures to reduce the risk of injury
High expression type is suitable for endurance sports
NRF1（oxygen utilization capacity）
Improved endurance
High expression type has high oxygen intake and is less likely to get tired
HIF1A（hypoxia adaptability）
High altitude training adaptations
Mutations prevent performance loss even in high altitude environments
① Characteristics of athletes with superior endurance genes
Because they use energy efficiently, they are advantageous in endurance sports.
It is easier to improve your cardiopulmonary function and get the most out of your training.
② Measures for athletes with low genetic aptitude for endurance
Strengthen training that improves oxygen utilization (altitude training, interval training)
If long-distance running isn’t for you, consider switching to middle-distance competitions (800m to 1500m).
In sports that require endurance, it is important to utilize genetic information to select the optimal training method .
16. Personalized sports supplements using genetic information
In recent years, the sports industry has seen the development of personalized supplements that utilize genetic data . Nutritional design based on genetic information is becoming increasingly important in order to meet the different nutritional needs of each athlete.
(1) Supplement recommendations based on genotype
Genetic types
Recommended Supplements
ACTN3 RR type (fast-twitch type)
Creatine, BCAAs, Vitamin D
PPARGC1A high expression type (sustained type)
Iron, Magnesium and Antioxidant Supplement
COL1A1 mutation (weak ligaments and tendons)
Collagen, Glucosamine, Vitamin C
By utilizing genetic testing, it is possible to select supplements that suit each individual’s constitution , maximizing the effectiveness of training.
17. The future of sports performance using genetic information
With the advancement of sports science, it is predicted that the use of genetic information will become even more widespread in the future.
(1) Integrating genetic and sports data
AI integrates and analyzes genetic data, performance data, and health data to optimize training programs
Real-time analysis of match-by-match data to help adjust strategies
(2) The potential of gene editing technology
In the future, gene editing techniques could be used to reduce the risk of injury.
Clearing the ethical issues will open up new fields in sports medicine
18. Fairness and ethical issues in sports that utilize genetic information
As the use of genetic information increases, fairness and ethical issues in sports also need to be discussed. In particular, how to utilize the information obtained through genetic testing is an important issue.
(1) Issues regarding fairness in sports due to genetic testing
The widespread availability of genetic testing could impact the competitive environment in sports.
As talent becomes more visible, there is a risk that certain players will be given preferential treatment
Problems with genetic discrimination and player selection
Concerns that athletes with genetic advantages will be overvalued and the value of hard work will be undervalued
The essence of sports is “effort and discipline,” but if too much importance is placed on genetic information, it could create a trend that emphasizes innate talent over effort .
(2) Gene editing technology and sports ethics
In the future, gene editing technologies (such as CRISPR) may also have an impact on the sports world.
The problem of “doping” through genetic modification (gene editing to enhance muscle strength and endurance)
If gene editing becomes commonplace, it could undermine the fairness of sports
The competitive landscape changes between genetically modified and naturally gifted athletes.
In order to uphold the ethics of sports, it is essential to establish rules for the appropriate use of genetic information and maintain a fair competitive environment .
Summary
Genetic testing is a groundbreaking technology that can scientifically analyze an athlete’s aptitudes and strengths and be used for training, nutritional management, injury prevention, and mental strengthening. Understanding individual genetic characteristics makes it possible to optimally select sports and improve performance. However, the use of genetic information also entails fairness and ethical issues, so it is important to use it under appropriate rules. As sports science develops in the future, personalized training using genetic information will likely continue to evolve.
