Influence of Genetics on Sports Injuries

Abstract

SummaryThe identification of risk factors and the assessment of athlete's predisposition to suffer an injury and the way in which it will occur is hard to predict due to the multifactorial origin of the lesions. In recent years, the importance of the genetic component of each individual as a possible cause of injury predisposition is being evaluated.The objective of this work was to write a review of the genetic studies carried out to date on connective tissue injuries and propose future research lines that would allow the development of more personalized training programs and specify preventive therapies in order to reduce the injury risk.The multifactorial origin of injuries complicates the identification of risk factors (extrinsic and intrinsic factors). Together, these factors and their interaction predisposes an athlete to injuries. In recent years, the genetic component of each individual as a possible cause of injury predisposition has become of importance.The aim of this article was to propose a review of published genetic studies related to connective tissue repair or regeneration and to pave the way for future Sports Medicine Research. This information could be very useful in order to individualize the preventive strategies to avoid injuries and to optimize the therapeutic and rehabilitation process after injuries.Applied biology is already contributing new knowledge by providing new biomarkers that will give information and increase understanding regarding the susceptibility of individuals to suffer certain types of injury. Genetic analysis can offer us reliable and objective predictive parameter that combined with the current methods of analysis will help improve the performance and management of athletes.

<b><i>ACTN3</i></b>’s R577X Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Allele Distribution Differs Significantly in Professional Football Players according to Their Field Position

“…Performance capabilities are at least partially determined by genetics [8, 9]. Nucleotide variations or polymorphisms may influence phenotype, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) account for 90% of these alterations [9].…”

Variáveis biomecânicas dos membros inferiores são indicadores do padrão de apresentação da tendinopatia patelar em atletas de elite africanos de basquetebol e voleibol

“…7 Recent studies have attempted to identify specific lower limb biomechanical variables, such as decreased hamstring and quadriceps flexibility, excessive tibial torsion, increased quadriceps angle (Q-angle), and reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, which may increase the risk of PT, and how their measured values vary in athletes who play sports that involve jumping. 1 8 9 A better understanding of the intrinsic biomechanical disposition of an individual to PT will facilitate the identification of modifiable risk factors and make a valuable contribution to the planning of preventative measures and interventions. 10 Addressing these intrinsic factors is also considered an important step in the successful rehabilitation of PT.…”

“…However, there still remains a dearth of information on the relationship between these intrinsic lower limb biomechanical variables and the presentation and severity of PT in athletes, particularly among black Africans, in order to account for racial variations. 9 A concern from a global perspective is that most population-based sports injury prevalence rates are based on data reported in developed countries, while there is often paucity of data on sports injuries in other parts of the world. 12 This study was therefore designed to determine the pattern of presentation and severity of PT and its relationship with selected lower limb biomechanical variables in elite basketball and volleyball players in Lagos, Nigeria.…”

“…7 Estudos recentes tentaram identificar variáveis biomecânicas específicas dos membros inferiores, tais como flexibilidade reduzida dos isquiotibiais e do quadríceps, torção excessiva da tíbia, aumento do ângulo do quadríceps (ângulo Q), e redução da amplitude de movimento da dorsiflexão do tornozelo, que podem aumentar o risco de TP, e como seus valores medidos variam em atletas que praticam esportes que envolvem saltos. 1 8 9 Uma melhor compreensão da predisposição biomecânica intrínseca de um indivíduo para a TP facilitará a identificação de fatores de risco modificáveis, e será uma contribuição valiosa para o planejamento de medidas e intervenções preventivas. 10 Além disso, abordar esses fatores intrínsecos é considerado um passo importante na bem-sucedida reabilitação da TP.…”

“…Resta ainda, no entanto, uma escassez de informações sobre a relação entre essas variáveis biomecânicas intrínsecas dos membros inferiores e a apresentação e a gravidade da TP em atletas, particularmente entre negros africanos, a fim de explicar as variações raciais. 9 Uma preocupação de uma perspectiva global é que a maioria das prevalências de lesões esportivas de base populacional é baseada em dados relatados em países desenvolvidos, enquanto há frequentemente uma escassez de dados sobre lesões esportivas em outras partes do mundo. 12…”