Association of the ACTN3 Gene Q523R Polymorphism with Exercise Performance

This study investigated the association between ACTN3 Q523R genotype and exercise performance in the Korean non-athletes [n=38, 38 men, age: 20~21 years]. We hypothesized that the Q allele might be associated with greater muscular strength and power, whereas R allele might be associated with higher aerobic endurance. We were measured isokinetically (at 60, 180 and 300oS-1), anaerobic wingate test, and graded exercise test. Total genomic DNA was isolated from antecubital vein of subjects, and ACTN3 Q523R genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction. This study suggests that the presence or absence of α-actinin-3 significantly influence the isokinetic strength (extensor; p???.01, flexor; p???.001) and power (extensor; p???.001, flexor; p???.05), anaerobic power ( p???.05), and aerobic endurance (VO???max; p???.05, exercise time; p???.001). In conclusion, this study suggests that the absence of α-actinin-3 is detrimental to anaerobic power performance in the Korean non-athletes. In contrast, α-actinin-3 deficiency appears to be beneficial for isokinetic strength, power, and aerobic endurance performance. And homozygote for the Q allele was negatively associated with isokinetic strength and power performance