DNA profiling helping athletes to avoid injury
by Tom Anstey | 20 Mar 2014
International footballers using the technology hope it can keep them fit in the build up to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil / Shutterstock
DNA profiling is quickly becoming a top trend for high profile sports athletes who are using the revolutionary technology to analyse whether or not they are getting the most out of their sporting genes.
The DNA test, which was pioneered by DNAFit, provides information on 18 key genes linked to areas of sporting performance such as power, endurance, speed of recovery and susceptibility to injury as well as tolerance to various food types such as carbohydrates and saturated fats.
The results are then used to create a bespoke training and nutritional programme for an athlete’s individual genetic profile.
Two anonymous Premier League clubs and a top European football club have reportedly used the test to discover the best training methods for individual footballers and who is most likely pick up an injury.
The profile looks at 45 genes which determine players' power, endurance and likelihood of injury.
The results, revealed by taking swabs from the athletes’ mouths, also gives an indication of whose muscles have less resistance to inflammation.
Athlete Jenny Meadows, who won the 2011 European indoor 800m title has gone public with her DNA profiling, while DNAFit is also working with athletes in boxing, cycling and rowing. A clinical trial later this year with swimming is also planned.
DNA profiling is quickly becoming a top trend for high profile sports athletes who are using the revolutionary technology to analyse whether or not they are getting the most out of their sporting genes. The DNA test, which was pioneered by DNAFit, provides information on 18 key genes linked to areas of sporting performance such as power, endurance, speed of recovery and susceptibility to injury as well as tolerance to
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