Genomic Evaluation in Sports Performance: Unlocking Athletic Potential Safely

 Genomic variants play a critical role in sports performance, influencing traits like safety, endurance, and power. With advancements in human genomics, scientists have identified hundreds of genetic variations linked to athletic abilities, shaping the characteristics of elite athletes. However, there are still significant gaps in understanding how certain genes affect performance and related traits.
 

Genetic Contribution vs. Non-Genetic Factors in Athletic Ability

Research estimates that genetics account for approximately 50% of athletic performance, while traits related to endurance and power range between 44–68% and 48–56%, respectively. However, non-genetic factors—such as training techniques, diet, and environment—also significantly impact athletic ability. These factors can alter gene expression and influence performance, making genomics a valuable tool to predict sports outcomes and optimize training programs.
 

Ethical Considerations in Genomic Testing for Athletes

While genomic evaluations offer exciting possibilities for improving sports performance, it is essential to approach them responsibly. Ethical concerns, particularly regarding tests linked to disease-causing genes, must be managed carefully. When performed in certified hospitals and supervised by clinical geneticists and genetic counselors, these evaluations provide reliable insights into safe athletic participation and performance optimization.
 

Multigene Panel for Sports Genomics: Maximizing Safety and Performance

The sports genomics multigene panel aims to evaluate the influence of genetic factors on safety, endurance, and power in athletes. Its key goals include:

• Maximizing safe participation for both adolescents and adults

• Identifying life-threatening medical risks during participation, such as cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, rhabdomyolysis, and acute metabolic decompensation

• Recognizing conditions that require treatment before or during participation, including fatty acid oxidation disorder, McArdle disease, and heat stroke

• Reevaluating organs at risk, such as lung blebs, scoliosis, aortic root abnormalities, and lens impairments

• Diagnosing and treating conditions that interfere with performance, including alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, periodic paralysis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and retinal diseases

The Future of Genomics in Enhancing Sports Performance

As research in human genomics evolves, its potential to enhance sports training and performance grows. However, for optimal results, it is essential to conduct testing under professional guidance, ensuring that athletes benefit from safe and accurate genetic evaluations.
 
Bumrungrad International Hospital is proud to be certified as a Genomic Medicine Provider by the Ministry of Public Health. This certification highlights Bumrungrad’s leadership in genomic medicine, highlighting its expertise in using cutting-edge genetic technology to improve patient care.
 
At the Genomic Medicine Center, we offer specialized genome testing for athletes through the INVITAE Custom Sport Panel, which analyzes 527 genes. All results are interpreted by medical experts in genomics, adhering to the highest international standards.
 
For more details, please contact the Bumrungrad Genomic Medicine Center, located on the 3rd floor of Building B, at 02-011-4890 or 02-011-4891, available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Alternatively, you can reach the Sports and Joint Medicine Center on the 20th floor of Building A at 02-011-3094 or 02-011-3082.
 
 
For more insights, visit https://doi.org/10.1186/s40246-024-00621-9
 
By Col. Asst. Prof. Dr. Kitti Buranawuti
Internal Medicine - Medical Genetics