Fitness & Sports

Genes, Sports & Fitness - The Uncovered Association

To be a sportsman is a highly demanding job that not only requires determination, dedication, nutrition, supportive environment, and intensive training but the ‘intrinsic ability’ coined by genetic traits. The finding that sport performance has a genetic background became a promising area of research in sports genetics since late 1990s when the first discoveries highlighting hereditary involvement in achieving elite sports status were published. Since then, numerous studies have been conducted to elucidate the gene-gene and gene-environment interactions that contribute to sport-related phenotypes contributing to elite performance status. In fact, sports performance is a complex multifactorial phenomenon governed by many intrinsic factors such as genetic polymorphism, psychomotor skills, physical fitness that are greatly influenced by extrinsic factors such as diet, training and health status1

However, sports performance is a complex multifactorial phenomenon governed by several intrinsic factors such as genetic polymorphism, psychomotor skills, physical fitness that are greatly influenced by extrinsic factors such as diet, training, and health status.1

Genetic Testing in Sports & Fitness

Genetics plays a critical role in the development of sports phenotype and exercise response. However, to get positive benefits, training regimes and healthy lifestyle habits are of utmost importance. In other words, genetics coupled with a fitness and training regime can lead to development of an elite performance phenotype.1

Consequently, one of the most interesting applications of sports genetics is development of tests for predicting performance and devise training regime. 1

Furthermore, the potential for genetic testing to predict injury predisposition may help in ensuring health and safety of athletes during sports training.1

An excellent example of this is one of the Australian Rugby team which claimed that it has utilized genetic testing to develop training programs for its team members to gain a competitive edge over other teams. The team got tested 18 of its 24 players for 11 exercise-related genes. Subsequently their training programs were redesigned according to their genetic profile. In addition to this some professional sports teams are using the genetic test results for direct training recommendations. 1

Let’s Make each Indian Fit & Fine Forever!!!

MyDNA Fit Geneguard has been carefully designed to target 40+ traits and conditions that can impact sports performance . Genetic predisposition for these parameters affects nutrition, fitness and wellness of an athlete.

Why Choose MyDNA Fitgeneguard?

• Tailored Fitness Information: Receive personalised details about your fitness needs, optimal exercises, diet recommendations, and lifestyle modifications.
•  Nutritional Insights: Identify any nutritional gaps and fine-tune your diet to support your athletic goals.
•  Muscle Composition & Metabolic Requirements: Understand your unique muscle composition and metabolic demands for a targeted training approach.
•  Stress and Anxiety Management: Gain insights into genetic factors contributing to stress and anxiety, and learn strategies to mitigate their impact on your fitness.
•  Early Health Intervention: Identify health risks early on and take proactive steps to maintain peak fitness and well-being.

Who Should Take MyDNA Fit Geneguard ?

How Do We Analyse?

Polygenic Risk Score

Based on Polygenic Risk Score (PRS), this report is generated. A polygenic risk score (PRS) estimates an individual’s genetic risk (predisposition) for a trait or condition. PRS takes the sum (aggregate) of SNPs to calculate an overall genetic risk for a particular condition.

How it works?

Order a Kit

Sample Collection: A technician will visit you to perform the test & collect the saliva sample, ensuring the process is quick, accurate and convenient.

Lab Processing & Data Analysis

Report Generation

Access Your Results: Log into your account or check your email.

Schedule your Genetic Counselling

References :

1. Anjana RM, Unnikrishnan R, Deepa M, Pradeepa R, Tandon N, Das AK, Joshi S, Bajaj S, Jabbar PK, Das HK, Kumar A, Dhandhania VK, Bhansali A, Rao PV, Desai A, Kalra S, Gupta A, Lakshmy R, Madhu SV, Elangovan N, Chowdhury S, Venkatesan U, Subashini R, Kaur T, Dhaliwal RS, Mohan V; ICMR-INDIAB Collaborative Study Group. Metabolic non-communicable disease health report of India: the ICMR-INDIAB national cross-sectional study (ICMR-INDIAB-17). Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2023 Jun 7:S2213-8587(23)00119-5. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00119-5.
2. Prabhakaran D, Jeemon P, Roy A. Cardiovascular Diseases in India: Current Epidemiology and Future Directions. Circulation. 2016 Apr 19;133(16):1605-20. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.008729.
3. Chaturvedi V, Parakh N, Seth S, Bhargava B, Ramakrishnan S, Roy A, et al. Heart failure in India: The INDUS (INDia Ukieri Study) study. J Pract Cardiovasc Sci 2016;2:28-35.