Genome-Wide Association Study of Vertical Jump Performance Among Elite Badminton Players

Area of Science:

• Sports Genetics
• Human Performance
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Vertical jump performance is a heritable trait, but previous genetic studies often used limited candidate-gene approaches.
• Explosive performance in elite athletes, like badminton players, is complex and likely polygenic.
• Understanding the genetic basis of athletic performance is crucial for talent identification and training optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify genetic variants associated with lower-limb explosive performance in elite Turkish badminton players.
• To utilize a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach to explore the polygenic nature of vertical jump performance.
• To investigate genetic associations with countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) performance metrics.

Main Methods:

• A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 90 elite badminton players (47 male, 43 female) and 557 controls.
• Genotyping was performed using DNA microarrays, and performance was assessed via CMJ and SJ.
• Statistical analyses employed linear mixed models, controlling for sex, BMI, and sport experience.

Main Results:

• No single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reached genome-wide significance (p < 1.00 × 10^-7).
• Thirteen SNPs surpassed the suggestive significance threshold (p < 1.00 × 10^-5) for association with vertical jump performance.
• Specific SNPs were linked to CMJ, SJ, and the difference between CMJ and SJ, indicating polygenic influence.

Conclusions:

• Lower-limb explosive performance in elite badminton players appears to be a polygenic trait.
• The findings suggest that genetic factors involve regulatory and signaling pathways, not just single performance genes.
• This study provides preliminary genetic insights into the complex nature of athletic explosive power.