Genetic aspects of athletic performance: the African runners phenomenon
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Data
2014
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Resumo
The current dominance of African runners in long-distance running is an intriguing
phenomenon that highlights the close relationship between genetics and physical performance.
Many factors in the interesting interaction between genotype and phenotype (eg, high cardio-
respiratory fitness, higher hemoglobin concentration, good metabolic efficiency, muscle fiber
composition, enzyme profile, diet, altitude training, and psychological aspects) have been pro-
posed in the attempt to explain the extraordinary success of these runners. Increasing evidence
shows that genetics may be a determining factor in physical and athletic performance. But, could
this also be true for African long-distance runners? Based on this question, this brief review
proposed the role of genetic factors (mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid, the Y chromosome,
and the angiotensin-converting enzyme and the alpha-actinin-3 genes) in the amazing athletic
performance observed in African runners, especially the Kenyans and Ethiopians, despite their
environmental constraints.
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Palavras-chave
Genes, Endurance runners, Genotype, Physical exercise
Citação
VANCINI, Rodrigo Luiz et al. Genetic aspects of athletic performance: the african runners phenomenon. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, London, v. 5, p. 123-127, 2014.