Abstract
In elite sporting codes, the identification and promotion of future athletes into specialised talent pathways is heavily reliant upon objective physical, technical, and tactical characteristics, in addition to subjective coach assessments. Despite the availability of a plethora of assessments, the dependence on subjective forms of identification remain commonplace in most sporting codes. More recently, genetic markers, including several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), have been correlated with enhanced aerobic capacity, strength, and an overall increase in athletic ability. In this review, we discuss the effects of a number of candidate genes on athletic performance, across single-skilled and multifaceted sporting codes, and propose additional markers for the identification of motor skill acquisition and learning. While displaying some inconsistencies, both the ACE and ACTN3 polymorphisms appear to be more prevalent in strength and endurance sporting teams, and have been found to correlate to physical assessments. More recently, a number of polymorphisms reportedly correlating to athlete performance have gained attention, however inconsistent research design and varying sports make it difficult to ascertain the relevance to the wider sporting population. In elucidating the role of genetic markers in athleticism, existing talent identification protocols may significantly improve—and ultimately enable—targeted resourcing in junior talent pathways.
Highlights
It is commonly discussed in the talent identification (TID) circles whether sporting talent is “born or bred”
Short of there being a single gene responsible for sporting success, it is estimated that the human genome has 10 million different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), with dozens currently linked to sporting performance and sporting success across various sporting codes [2]
In the context of Australian Football (AF), athletic field tests—such as the vertical jump, 20-metre sprint, and endurance time trials—are often used in the talent identification process to acknowledge athletes with the potential to succeed in a given sport [13]
Summary
It is commonly discussed in the talent identification (TID) circles whether sporting talent is “born or bred”. In the context of AF, athletic field tests—such as the vertical jump, 20-metre sprint, and endurance time trials—are often used in the talent identification process to acknowledge athletes with the potential to succeed in a given sport [13] These tests reveal indications of physical capabilities that may enhance or hinder an athlete’s ability to perform within a given sport or position within a sport. Polymorphisms within the brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genes have all been associated with motor control and/or learning [24,25] None of these genes have previously been investigated in the context of sport-specific skill analysis. The genetic implication of these tests has only been previously investigated once, in a small cohort of sub-elite AF players, while match performance has not been investigated in a genetic capacity at all
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