What are some of the factors that may restrict human performance in sports?

Some of the common factors include the environment, nutrition, motivation, and even advanced equipment which help improve your athletic performance. But, apart from these environmental advances, many physiologists believe that excellence in sports can be driven by genetics too. Specifically, these genes regulate cardiovascular endurance as well as muscle fiber type. In this article, we would be elaborating upon the importance that genetics play in sports:

The role that genetic play in shaping up your sports performance

Genetics shape us in a lot of ways which include our potential to excel in sports. But at the same time, evaluating your genetic performance and making it in tandem with other factors is required for being a complete athlete. You can have genetic potential for becoming a champion, but if you keep overeating and do not exercise, then you would not be able to achieve this potential. On the other hand, even if you have limited potential, you can definitely find ways to enhance your performance.

Specific gene variants

Two common gene variants, including ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X are commonly associated with endurance as well as power in athletic performance. Infact, experts have even studied injury risks and outcomes where genetic prediction may be helpful. This study of injury susceptibility is surely beneficial in protecting young athletes from very serious injuries.

Genetics influence on an Athlete’s response to training

Your genes also have a role in determining how your body responds to diet, training and even external factors. So, there is plenty of research on aerobic endurance which shows that certain people respond better to training as compared to their contemporaries. Even in case of low genetic potential, you may possess the endurance to respond well and this can help you as compared to an individual who does not have the genetic talent to respond.

Training can also increase cardiac efficiency, but the extent of this may depend upon the genetics. Genetically gifted athletes are sure to have a much greater response to training and this is something we have noticed over time in our experience.

Can genetic tests help with athletic performance?

Off late, there has been quite a rise in DNA testing among sports, coaches, teams and athletes. From a scientific standpoint, the ideation of accessing genetic information which predicts sporting ability is quite an exciting prospect. Each of us possesses a distinct and unchangeable DNA structure that affects us in various ways. Some of us are quite good at running, while others cannot process gluten and some of us even get severe hangovers with little alcohol too. However, understanding your DNA can help you capitalize on what are the genetic predispositions and help in enhancing physical abilities!

Key takeaways

So, we feel that if you wish to develop endurance and use your ability to the fullest- understanding your genes can go a long way! You can always work on what’s lacking and enhance the genetic ability you possess to garner the excellence in sports that you strive for.