1)   TEST FOR ATHLETIC APTITUDE: POWER OR ENDURANCE?

This test considers the individual predisposition to power or resistance type activities. The genetic analysis examines the ACTN3 gene which codes for alpha-actinin-3, a protein found exclusively in type 2 (fast) fibres of skeletal muscle.

It is therefore a very useful test to understand which sport is recommended to practice based on your genes.

POWER
Muscle strength (power) measures the maximum amount of force that can be exerted for a limited period of time. Fast-twitch fibres generate a relatively high amount of force in a short period of time. Athletes with this predisposition are characterised by great strength, power and speed, but they tire more quickly. They have a lower capacity to obtain aerobic energy, lower oxygen levels and higher glycogen levels, so at first they receive energy from glycolysis (anaerobic respiration) for muscle contraction. This process is very fast, but it is also quite inefficient for producing energy; furthermore, it produces lactic acid which promotes muscle fatigue. This explains why fast-twitch fibres tire faster. To evaluate the power predisposition profile, genetic markers associated with power sports are used.

ENDURANCE
Endurance training is defined as low-intensity activity performed over a long period of time. Muscular endurance measures the ability to repeat an activity for a long time without feeling tired. If your muscular structure favours endurance, you have the potential to perform well in exercises that take advantage of this ability. The intrinsic ability to perform resistance exercises is influenced by several factors. First, endurance depends on the percentage of slow-twitch fibres in skeletal muscle. They are also known as red fibres because they contain more myoglobin, a protein that stores oxygen, and they get their own energy source, so they can maintain their strength longer. Secondly, it has been observed that the best athletes usually have so-called “marathon genes”. Studies have identified genetic variants associated with a high percentage of these fibres and a high oxygen supply to muscle tissue.

Here are some examples of power sports: some specialties of athletics, such as throws (discus, shot put, hammer, javelin), jumps (high, long, triple, pole), short distance running (100 meters), weightlifting.

Here are some examples of endurance sports: The running specialties of athletics from 800 meters to the marathon, walking, swimming, ice and roller speed skating, rowing, canoeing, road and off-road cycling, cross-country skiing.

2)   TEST FOR RECOVERY EFFICIENCY (anti-inflammatory capacity)

The test evaluates athletic recovery in relation to anti-inflammatory capacity. The genetic analysis examines the IL-6 gene which codes for the protein of the same name, produced by the muscle during physical activity, with an action to regulate inflammation. The unfavourable variant of the gene leads to reduced control of inflammation and slower recovery after physical effort.

3)   TEST FOR DETOXIFYING CAPACITY (antioxidant capacity)

The test evaluates athletic recovery in relation to antioxidant capacity. The genetic analysis involves the interrogation of the SOD2 gene which is found in the mitochondria of cells and capable of eliminating free radicals. They induce cellular aging and with the unfavourable variant there is a greater predisposition to delayed onset muscle pain following physical effort.

4)   TEST FOR JOINT RESISTANCE

The test evaluates the main component of the joints, type 1 collagen. The genetic analysis involves the interrogation of the COL1A1 gene. Reduced production of type 1 collagen leads to less protection from joint injuries.

Exercise has numerous health benefits, but we must be careful of injuries that occur when we do exercises incorrectly. While injuries are always a risk when we do any exercise, some people are more likely to get injured than others and partly due to their genetics. Scientific evidence has shown that some genetic variations can affect the risk of injury. People with a higher risk should adjust their training plan. Knowing the genetic characteristics that influence an athlete’s physical form is important to discover any predispositions to muscle, tendon and bone injuries. The ability to recover after injury is also influenced by the personal genetic profile. The possible presence of a genetic variant that predisposes to tendon injuries allows us to identify an athlete with a higher than average risk of injury or one who has shorter recovery times, thus preparing the best possible training for each individual.

5)   TEST FOR CAFFEINE METABOLISM EFFICIENCY

The test evaluates the speed of metabolisation of caffeine. The genetic analysis involves the interrogation of the CYP1A gene which encodes the cytochrome P450 protein, which at the liver level is the primary enzyme involved in the metabolism of caffeine. The unfavourable variant of the gene leads to a greater risk of side effects such as nausea, tachycardia, insomnia and hypertension.

The sensitivity/specificity of this test is 99-99%. Sensitivity concerns the % of false negatives, while specificity refers to the % of false positives. These are therefore extremely accurate tests.

If you wish to add your photo on the report, you can select the option at the checkout so you will receive your personalized report for extra €6.

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