The relationship between CA repeat polymorphism of the IGF-1 gene and the structure of motor skills in young athletes

Abstract

            The map of candidate genes that can potentially affect physical fitness becomes larger every year, and that are associated with such aspects as respiratory and cardiovascular stability; body build and composition – especially muscle mass and strength; carbohydrate and lipid metabolism; response to training; and exercise intolerance. The aim of this study was the analysis of the determination by CA repeat polymorphism of the P1 promoter of the IGF1 gene the structure of motor skills in the two groups of polish young athletes in 2011-2013.            In this study, 350 young sportsmen representing different sports disciplines were examined (age = 15.5 ± 0.5 years), by genotyping the IGF1 gene and determining the structure of motor skills using the International Physical Fitness Test (IPFT) battery. Analysis of the multiple stepwise regression, used to determine the impact of the investigated motor skills on the indicator of the overall physical fitness, measured by the total score of the International Physical Fitness Test (IPFT), shows some regularity related to the character of the IGF1 gene polymorphism. It can be concluded that in the case of two groups of young boys athletes practicing various sports disciplines (kinds of physical exercise) have similar associations between CA repeat polymorphism of the P1 promoter of the IGF1 gene and the level of motor effects. Our results suggest that this polymorphism may be a genetic marker of the physical performance phenotype. We demonstrated that CA repeat polymorphism of the P1 promoter of the IGF1 gene in the groups who were homozygous and noncarriers was associated with strength predispositions. In the group who were heterozygous speed-strength aptitudes