Genetic Testing for Child's Potential Sports Abilities?

Atlas Sports Genetics is offering a test that supposedly predicts a child’s natural athletic abilities. For $149, a doctor swabs inside the child’s cheek along the gums to gather DNA. They test for ACTN3 to determine if the child would be better at endurance sports (distance running), speed and power sports (sprinting, football), or both. Genetics

wants to test children from infancy to 8 years old as the physical tests for future sports performance is better at that age range than later on.

Obviously there are some ethic questions as to whether or not parents should test their kids. They could use these results to force their children into a specific sport or to just let the child choose. Another problem is the fact that many different genes contribute to the major athletes’ (Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt) abilities, so testing for one gene can’t tell all. Most researchers agree that after specific training for their body types, the gene might make a difference between world class athletes but not for “Johnny” or “Suzie” who play soccer or field at middle school levels.

Focusing in on the ACTN3 gene, most of the research was based in Australia. They looked at the gene’s combinations from each parent. The R variant codes for the protein alpha-actinin-3 which is specific to fast-twitch muscle. The X variant codes for prevention of that protein. Testing 429 elite white athletes found that 50% of the 107 sprint athletes had 2 copies of the R variant. No female elite sprinter had 2 copies of the X variant. All male Olympians involved in the power sports had 1 R variant minimally. As for the endurance sports, 25% of those athletes had 2 copies of the X variant, whereas the control group had 18% so people with 2 copies of the X variant are more likely to be best at endurance sports.

Some people believe in this test's results while others say the best way to tell is to “just line them up…for a race and see which ones are fastest.” Obviously, you cannot pick out the next Michael Jackson based on a test on a 5 year old, but many people believe you could nurture the child with careful nutrition, coaching, planning, and competition.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/sports/30genetics.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&no_interstitial