A Systematic Review of the Genetic Predisposition to Injury in Football

Purpose Synthesise genetic association studies investigating injury involving football players to identify which genetic variants have the most empirical evidence to date.Methods A comprehensive search of the PubMed,SPORTDiscus,and MEDLINE databases until March 11th 2022 identi-fied 34 studies.Inclusion criteria:primary investigations,included football players,examined the association of a genetic variant with injury,and were published in English.Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.A narrative synthesis summarised results.Results There were 33 candidate gene studies and one genome-wide study,with 9642 participants across all studies(range=43–1311;median=227).Ninety-nine polymorphisms were assessed within 63 genes.Forty-one polymorphisms were associated with injury once.Three polymorphisms had their specific allelic associations with injury replicated twice in independent cohorts:ACTN3(rs1815739)XX genotype was associated with an increased susceptibility to non-contact muscle injuries,ACAN(rs1516797)G allele was associated with increased susceptibility to anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)injuries,and VEGFA(rs2010963)CC genotype was associated with an increased susceptibility to ACL and ligament or tendon injuries.However,several methodological issues(e.g.,small sample sizes,cohort heterogeneity,and population stratification)are prevalent that limit the reliability and external validity of findings.Conclusion At present,the evidence base supporting the integration of genetic information as a prognostic or diagnosis tool for injury risk in football is weak.Future participation of organisations in international consortia is suggested to combat the current methodological issues and subsequently improve clarity concerning the underlying genetic contribution to injury susceptibility.

Genetic Testing in Professional Football:Perspectives of Key Stakeholders

Purpose Genetic research in football is currently in it’s infancy but is growing rapidly.However,the practical application of genetic testing in football and the views concerning its use are unknown.Thus,the purpose of this study was to assess the current practical application of genetic testing in professional football and provide an insight into the perspectives of key stakeholders(i.e.,coaches,practitioners,players).Methods In total,122 participants completed an online anonymous survey.This consisted of 21 multiple choice and Likert scale questions,with the option of providing an explanation for each response.Results Findings revealed genetic testing is rarely utilised by key stakeholders(10%)or their respective organisations(14%).However,three quarters(75%)had the opinion that genetic testing will have great utility in the future.The majority(72%)believed genetic testing should be used for athlete development and injury risk,whilst 35%believed that genetic testing should be utilised for talent identification purposes.However,most key stakeholders viewed their own(89%)and their col-leagues’(79%)knowledge related to genetic testing as insufficient;mainly due to ineffective current communication methods(91%).Most believed educational workshops are required(71%),whilst nearly all(91%)were interested in developing their expertise on the utility of genetic testing.Conclusion Genetic testing is rarely used within professional football,although key stakeholders anticipate that it will be utilised more in the future.As such,educational support may prove valuable in improving key stakeholder knowledge and the practical application of genetic testing in professional football.