Genetic Testing

Sport Performance
11/08/2012 08:20

At the recent International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport (ICSEMIS) researchers presented on genetic testing and the suspected predictive potential for sport performance and gene therapy causing the latest doping concern.

 

Within the realm of genetic testing, the identification of the angiotensin-coverting enzyme (ACE) that has lead researchers to hypothesize its differentiatiating role in endurance versus power and strength performance abilities among athletes but with inconclusive evidence. Genetic testing technologies are beginning to reach mainstream access, with several companies offering genetic screening for variations in the ACTN3 gene. This information is being used for talent identification, athletic assessment, sports conditioning and nutrition tailoring to the specificity of an individual´s genetics. However, evidence of the reliability and validity of these tests are controversial.

 

Researchers at ICSEMIS also presented on the risks and benefits of genetic modification in the sport context. While gene therapy or modified genes, have traditionally been used to treat devastating disease such as severe combined immunodeficiency disease or lymphoid leukemia, certain gene therapies are being abused by medical doctors, teams and athletes, for attempted performance enhancement.The personal health risks and complications are high and there is ethical concern that genetic information could be used in the future by third parties to the detriment of the genetically tested individual for example insurance companies could use the genetic information to screen clients.

 

The European Union´s Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine regulates genetic testing and controls parameters for acceptable ethical research and practice. Genetic testing and modification for purposes other than disease prevention and treatment is deemed illegal and major ethical concerns are abound. The general consensus among experts presenting at ICSEMIS is to continue to advocate for doping free sport and attempt to shape sport in a way that it keeps its integrity and stays ´human´.