Genetic polymorphisms and skeletal muscle injuries among Italian soccer players

Introduction: Skeletal muscle injuries sustained during sport and their subsequent functional recoveries seem to be influenced by interactions between environmental stimuli (training, overload/overtraining, wrong techniques) and specific genotypes. Variations in DNA sequences in specific genes have been associated with specific phenotypes involved in athletic performance, including individual susceptibility to injury. Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the influence of five genetic polymorphisms (COL5A1 rs12722, MTC1 rs1049434, VDR Apa I, VDR Bsm I, and VDR Fok I), to the development of skeletal muscle injuries among soccer players. Methods: Sixty-four young male soccer players from three teams participating at the Official Italian Football Championship were recruited during the 2012-2013 season. The sample was genotyped for 5 SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) and data on injuries were collected in according to standard procedure. Using Total Genotype Score (TGS) the combined influence of the polymorphisms was analyzed. Results: No significant correlations were found between injuries and single genotypes or between incidence of injuries and TGS. The regression model highlighted that the combined influence of training volume and TGS significantly predicted injury rate, explaining 10% of the variability in injury incidence (R2 = 10.36, df = 2.61 , F = 3.52 , P=0.03).