DNA diagnostics for a predisposition to high sporting achievements
The carriage of the R allele of the ACTN3 gene (the presence of the alpha-actinin-3 protein in fast-twitch skeletal muscle fibers) provides an advantage when performing speed-strength loads. The R/R and R/X genotypes are characterized by a greater gain in maximum voluntary strength and a more effective muscle mass gain as a result of training. The X/X genotype indicates the absence of the structural protein a-actinin-3, which leads to a slowdown in metabolic and physiological processes and increased endurance. X ― the endurance allele; R ― the speed and strength allele.