The Influence of Genes on Sport
"My parents already had bad genes, so I can't lose weight easily." Sentences like this are not uncommon in everyday life. But is this really true? Is it predetermined how our body develops? To some extent, these questions can be answered today.
Genetics and Research
Research has been concerned with the human body for a long time. For example, the complex structure of DNA was discovered. Further research revealed how it works and created a new understanding of an individual's genes.
Questions have also been of interest as to what extent genes predetermine development. Twin research served as the instrument for this. Fitness-related data from identical and fraternal twins revealed the influence of genes on fitness levels. Researchers showed that in the area of strength training, approx. 60 % is influenced by genes. Conversely, this means that 40 % is in our own hands, i.e. whether we build strength or not (Silventoinen et al. 2008).
Also in the area of endurance, i.e. the trainability of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max.), genes have an influence of approx. 50 % (Bouchard et al. 1999). The remaining 50 % can largely be influenced by endurance training (Wackerhage 2014).
Predetermined and Influenceable
So it can be said that the answer is partly true. Anyone who does not have the genes of an elite athlete will find it less easy to reach a national squad than their competitor. However, at least a not insignificant percentage of potential remains that we can determine ourselves. With optimal and consistent training, a great deal can be influenced. As long as the will is there.
Bibliography:
- Bouchard, Claude, Treva Rice, James S Skinner, Jack H Wilmore, Jacques Gagnon, Louis Pé Russe, Arthur S Leon, et al. 1999. “Familial Aggregation of V ˙ O 2 Max Response to Exercise Training: Results from the HERITAGE Family Study.” J. Appl. Physiol 87 (3): 1003–8. http://jap.physiology.org/content/jap/87/3/1003.full.pdf.
- Silventoinen, Karri, Patrik K E Magnusson, Per Tynelius, Jaakko Kaprio, and Finn Rasmussen. 2008. “Heritability of Body Size and Muscle Strength in Young Adulthood: A Study of One Million. Swedish Men.” Genetic Epidemiology 32: 341–49. doi:10.1002/gepi.20308.
- Wackerhage, H. 2014. Molecular Exercise Physiology. New York: Routledge
