Genetic Testing for Sports Performance

In this episode, I discuss genetic testing for sports and athletic performance. I describe the history of sports genomics and the search for genes that determine strength, endurance, and other performance markers. I explain how to interpret genetic test results, including how many genes determine a trait, the relative influence of a single gene, and the likelihood that a genetic variant produces noticeable performance effects. 

I discuss the ethical issues and current limitations of using genetic testing for athletic talent identification. I explain whether your genetic profile can help optimize personalized training, exercise, and nutrition programs to further accelerate performance. I also discuss gene doping, gene editing, gene therapy, and the future of sports genomics.

If listeners have done or are considering genetic testing for personal or client use, this episode will provide a framework for the validity, accuracy, and reliability of current genetic testing and how to interpret their results. 

Access the full show notes for this episode at performpodcast.com.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Genetics, Sports Genomics

00:06:51 Genetic Testing & Human Performance

00:11:21 Sponsors: AG1 & Rhone 

00:14:33 Sports Genomics, Genome vs. Gene, Athlete Passport

00:19:37 Genotype & Alleles; Variation, Polymorphisms, SNPs & Mutations

00:25:12 Myostatin Mutation; ACTN3 & ACE Genes

00:32:42 Sponsor: Momentous & Continuum

00:35:36 Investigate: Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing

00:38:10 History of Sport Genomics, Candidate Genes

00:45:41 Polygenic Traits, Polygenic Risk Score; Gene Editing

00:53:12 Sponsors: Absolute Rest & Renaissance Periodization

00:55:34 Interpret: 5 Questions About Genes & Traits; ACTN3 & ACE Genes

01:05:36 Traits & Gene Number; Height

01:11:14 Traits & Sports Performance, Elite Athletes; Athletic Talent Identification

01:18:19 Genetic Contribution to Traits, Variance

01:21:37 Likelihood & Magnitude of Genetic Effect; Ethnic Background & Genes

01:28:46 Intervene: Gene Doping, Gene Editing

01:31:56 Personalized Training, Precision Nutrition

01:34:29 Future of Sports Genomics & Ethics

01:37:50 Genetics & Athletic Performance

01:41:52 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Perform Newsletter, Social Media

Disclaimer & Disclosures