Evaluating the Influence of the ACTN3 rs1815739 Gene Polymorphism on the Performance of Physically Active Adult Males in the Arrowhead Agility Drill Test

• Published in: Genetics & applications (Online) Vol. 8; no. 1
• Main Authors: Çatalo, İrem, Cerit, Mesut, Anılır, Murat, Ulucan, Korkut, Yıldırım Tuncer, Selin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Sarajevo, Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology 19.06.2024
• Subjects: ACTN3; Agility; Physical Performance; Polymorphism; Swimming
• ISSN: 2566-2937; 2566-431X
• DOI: 10.31383/ga.vol8iss1ga05

The alpha actinin-3 gene (ACTN3) is a significant candidate gene among genetic markers that determine athletic ability. The ACTN3 gene is responsible for the creation of the actin protein in fast-twitch muscle fibers, which is associated with muscle power and speed. The objective of this study was to analyze the changes in performance of the arrowhead agility drill test and the distribution of genotype variants in the ACTN3 rs1815739 gene polymorphism in physically active adult males after a 6- week training period. The research will focus on a cohort of 58 male students, aged 19-24, who are enrolled in the Faculty of Sports Sciences and participate in swimming activities. Genomic DNA was extracted from swab samples obtained from participants using the Buccalyse DNA Extraction Kit from Isohelix, following the manufacturer's supplied technique. The study findings revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between all three genotypes when comparing the pre-test and post-test values of the sample group in terms of left and right foot characteristics. Within this framework, it is acknowledged that the outcomes derived from our investigation could potentially influence the research findings. These aspects include the restricted sample size and the incapacity to regulate individual variances such as concentration and motivation during the pre-test and post-test sessions. Nevertheless, it is believed that the results obtained from our study could potentially enhance future research and literary works in the same field.