Total Genotype Score Relates to Playing Time and Starter Role in Football: a Pilot Study

The aims of this research were to identify the relationships between the total genotype score and the total competition time as well as the total and relative distances covered during competition at different speed thresholds and to examine the probability of being a starter or a non-starter based on the total genotype score. A prospective pilot study was conducted with 34 professional male football players competing in the Spanish second division across three consecutive seasons. DNA samples were genotyped for six muscle performance-related polymorphisms, and the total genotype score values were calculated. The total competition time and competition distances at different speed thresholds were evaluated. A total genotype score threshold of 75.0 a.u. discriminated starters with an area under the curve of 0.689. Players with higher total genotype scores (total genotype scores: >75.0) accumulated more matches played (p=0.002), more matches played as starters (p=0.009), greater playing time (p=0.009), and higher total distances covered (p=0.009). Players above this threshold were five times more likely to be starters (odds ratio=5.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.31-19.07, and p=0.030). The total genotype score was related to the number of matches played (β=1.088 and p=0.006), matches as starters (β=1.087 and p=0.004), playing time (β=28.1 and p=0.018), and distances covered during the seasons (β=3116 and p=0.01). Genetic profiling was associated with starter status. Integrating genetic and global positioning system data provided a novel approach for player development and talent identification in elite sports.