Genetic tests that supposedly help in determining whether a child has potential in sports are virtually meaningless for prediction of athletic performance, an international panel of experts revealed in a report.
A person's DNA can usually be sequenced in laboratories using a saliva sample. In this case, anyone who is willing to pay can request for a genetic test regarding their athletic ability. However, experts said there is not enough scientific evidence on the efficacy of commercial genetic tests in spotting athletic potential.
In a consensus statement issued in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, an international group of 22 scientists in the fields of genomics, sports performance, exercise, disease, injury, and anti-doping examined direct-to-consumer genetic tests that are marketed towards athletic talent and are sold online. They looked into previously published scientific evidence on these tests and found 39 companies that sell genetic tests associated with sports or exercise performance or injury.
Many of these companies claim that their DNA tests can predict a child's genetic disposition for success in individual endurance sports or team sports; reveal how a child's genes contribute to athletic traits; and create a tailored program specifically designed for an individual based on the DNA results in which the person can lose fat, become more fit, build muscle and get lean.
Researchers said that for 54 percent of the companies, finding out which variants and gene sequences would be tested was impossible, because the information was not revealed. For the remaining companies, the average number of variants tested was 6, but ranged from 1 to 27, the panel explained.
Genetic variants ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X are most popular and well-studied. Experts said that previous evidence may have suggested a link between these variants and improved physical performance, but this link is very weak.
Lead author Dr. Alun Williams of Manchester Metropolitan University and his colleagues pointed out questions regarding confidentiality and security, especially because an individual's gene information is highly-confidential. They also believe that with the current information regarding genetic testing, no child or young athlete should undergo genetic testing.
Meanwhile, the authors suggested that large-scale collaborative projects may contribute to scientific foundation for these genetic tests.
Photo: Stuart Seeger | Flickr
