Strength and Endurance Training in Older Women in Relation to <i>ACTN3 R577X</i> and <i>ACE I/D</i> Polymorphisms

• Main Authors: Cristina Romero-Blanco, María Jesús Artiga-González, Alba Gómez-Cabello, Sara Vila-Maldonado, José Antonio Casajús, Ignacio Ara, Susana Aznar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-02-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: <i>ace</i>; <i>actn3</i>; physical fitness; genotype; women; elderly
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/4/1236

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of two genetic polymorphisms, <i>ACTN3</i> <i>R577X</i>, and <i>ACE I/D</i>, on physical condition in a sample of active older women after a two-year training period. The sample was composed of 300 healthy women over the age of 60 who underwent a two-year training program. Adapted tests from the Senior Fitness Test were used. The genotyping of the polymorphisms was obtained from the participants&#8217; DNA via buccal swabs. The analysis of the <i>ACE</i> polymorphism did not reveal differences between genotypes. The analysis of the <i>R577X</i> polymorphism showed a favorable effect for the <i>ACTN3 XX</i> genotype in tests for leg strength (<i>p</i>: 0.001) after training, compared to the other genotypes, and also in the analysis of the combined effect of the polymorphism (<i>ACE II + ACTN3 RX/XX</i>). The intragroup effect revealed an improvement in arm strength for carriers of the X allele after 24 months of training (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). The endurance values significantly worsened in all study groups. Conclusions: The <i>R577X</i> polymorphism of <i>ACTN3</i> may have an important role in capacities related to muscle strength, providing a beneficial effect for carriers of the <i>X</i> allele.