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The Genetic Association with Athlete Status, Physical Performance, and Injury Risk in Soccer
Conall F Murtagh1,2, Elliott C R Hall1,3, Thomas E Brownlee4
1School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|May 30, 2023
Summary
This review identifies key genetic markers associated with soccer athlete status, physical performance, and injury risk. Further research is needed to validate these genetic associations in diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Sports Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Human Performance
Background:
- Soccer performance and injury risk are influenced by complex genetic factors.
- Understanding genetic associations can inform talent identification and injury prevention strategies in soccer.
- Current literature requires critical appraisal to guide future research and practice.
Approach:
- Systematic review and critical appraisal of existing literature on genetic polymorphisms in soccer.
- Identification of genetic markers linked to athlete status, physical performance, and injury risk.
- Evaluation of the strength of evidence and limitations of current genetic research in soccer.
Key Points:
- Six genetic polymorphisms are strongly associated with soccer athlete status.
- Six genetic polymorphisms show associations with physical performance metrics.
- Seven genetic polymorphisms are linked to increased injury risk in soccer players.
Conclusions:
- Robust, independently replicated genetic data are necessary before genetic testing can be integrated into soccer practice.
- Future research should focus on large-scale genome-wide association studies and investigating physiological mechanisms.
- Studies must expand to include female and diverse ethnic groups, moving beyond the current male-centric European ancestry focus.
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