Association between ACTN3 R577X genotype and risk of non-contact injury in trained athletes:A systematic review

Purpose:The aim of this study was to review,systematically,evidence concerning the link between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and the rates and severity of non-contact injuries and exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes and individuals enrolled in exercise training programs.Methods:A computerized literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed,Web of Science,and SPORTDiscus,from inception until November 2020.All included studies compared the epidemiological characteristics of non-contact injury between the different genotypes of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism.Results:Our search identified 492 records.After the screening of titles,abstracts,and full texts,13 studies examining the association between the ACTN3 genotypes and the rate and severity of non-contact injury were included in the analysis.These studies were performed in 6 different countries(Spain,Japan,Brazil,China,the Republic of Korea,and Italy)and involved a total participant pool of 1093 participants.Of the studies,2 studies involved only women,5 studies involved only men,and 6 studies involved both men and women.All the studies included were classified as highquality studies(≥6 points in the Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro)scale score).Overall,evidence suggests there is an association between the ACTN3 R577X genotype and non-contact injury in 12 investigations.Six studies observed a significant association between A CTN3 R577X polymorphism and exercise induced muscle damage:2 with non-contact ankle injury,3 with non-contact muscle injury,and 1 with overall non-contact injury.Conclusion:The present findings support the premise that possessing the ACTN3 XX genotype may predispose athletes to a higher probability of some non-contact injuries,such as muscle injury,ankle sprains,and higher levels of exercise-induced muscle damage.

A Multi-Constituent Pilot Study Improves Health Behaviors in Underserved Elementary Students

Few successful strategies address lifestyle and behavior change towards food and exercise among underserved children.Children spend the majority of their day in a school setting,providing an optimal environment to target behavior change with limited resources.Purpose This school-based pilot study was a collaborative effort among professionals from a state university,a county department of health,a county school system,and a nearby regional public hospital to improve knowledge,intentions,and self-efficacy about nutrition and physical activity among underserved children.Methods Thirty-three,fifth grade students were recruited from a low socioeconomic elementary school(Mean=10.55±0.56 years).Students were randomly assigned to a treatment(n=19),or control group(n=14)for 8 weeks.Once per week,the treatment group received 30 min of nutritional advice,and completed 30 min of functional exercises.Anthropometric and body composition assessments were made,and eating and physical activity behaviors were recorded using the CATCH Kids Club After-School Student Questionnaire at baseline,and at the end of week 8.A 2-way repeated-measure analysis of variance and paired-t tests with Bonferroni adjustments were used to analyze any differences.Results Physical activity,intentions,and knowledge for a healthy nutrition behavior increased significantly in the treatment group.However,causal inferences could not be made at this time.Conclusions This public sector partnership demonstrated that a simple school-based intervention can play a role in healthy choices among underserved children.