Abstract
Background: The ACTN3 gene is known as the “sprinter gene” due to the increased frequency of the R allele of the gene in various cohorts of elite sprinters compared to the general population. In situ muscle fibers that express α-actinin-3 protein can produce more force than the muscle fibers that are α-actinin-3 deficient. In vivo analysis showed that individuals lacking the R variant of the gene (ACTN3 XX genotype) encoding α-actinin-3 demonstrated slower running times and lower peak knee torque at higher angular speeds (30–180 deg/s). Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the ACTN3 gene on performance and angular kinematic characteristics by comparing ACTN3 RR+RX and ACTN3 XX individuals during explosive jumps and sprints using motion capture technology. Methods: The kinematic and force data were obtained using a Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) system, and DNA was isolated from white blood cells using standard procedures. The 291-bp PCR fragment was electrophoresed, visualized under UV light, and finally, digested with Hpy8 restriction endonuclease. Results: ACTN3 RR+RX individuals demonstrated statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in SJ, CMJ, and DJ jump height, greater mean values of peak vertical ground reaction force (PVGRF), increased angular velocity at the knee joint during the DJ jump, and greater torque production at higher angular speeds during 5-m sprints. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study allowed us to deepen our knowledge regarding the role of α-actinin-3 protein in human locomotion. The results indicate that the ACTN3 gene influences force production and certain angular kinematic characteristics during explosive jumps and sprints.
Highlights
Various phenotypes, such as body height, explosive strength, muscle power, tendon elasticity, blood dynamics, VO2max, and anger management, influence the athletic performance
The results indicate that the ACTN3 gene influences force production and certain angular kinematic characteristics during explosive jumps and sprints
Isokinetic dynamometry has been used to investigate the influence of α-actinin-3 protein on single-joint angular kinematics at a constant angular velocity dictated by the machine [17, 18]
Summary
Various phenotypes, such as body height, explosive strength, muscle power, tendon elasticity, blood dynamics, VO2max, and anger management, influence the athletic performance. Each of these is the result of interactions among. Some of the above studies were limited by their sample size and others by the use of field tests to evaluate the ability of the muscles to produce explosive speed and power; these tests provide less accurate results than laboratory analyses. One of the limitations of isokinetic dynamometry tests is their weak correlation with multi-joint functional test results, such as vertical jumps or short sprints, involving a stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) type motion. In vivo analysis showed that individuals lacking the R variant of the gene (ACTN3 XX genotype) encoding α-actinin-3 demonstrated slower running times and lower peak knee torque at higher angular speeds (30–180 deg/s)
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