Your physical and athletic performance depends on several factors; for example, how efficiently your muscles contract and use energy, or how long and elastic your tendons are.

Over the last two decades, scientific research has provided increasing evidence that these factors are controlled by your genes and are also affected by your lifestyle. This combination of your genes and the experiences that you have throughout your life, makes you unique.

The purpose of this report is to explain what some of the most important genes reveal about your unique fitness and exercise abilities. This information can empower you to choose the type of training that is likely to give you the best results to allow you to achieve your exercise and fitness goals.

• Your cheek sample arrived at our NATA accredited laboratory in Melbourne and our in-house scientists extracted your DNA and analysed your genes.
• Our team of qualified genetics and nutrition professionals performed a rigorous review of all the current scientific literature relating to your gene variants. We have developed an Evidence Rating System that explains the quality of the relevant scientific findings.
• After collecting and rating the evidence available for the selected genes, our scientists have summarised the main findings for you.
• Our Exercise Physiologists have created different training plans based on your genetic results and on different fitness goals.

Here is the evidence level for each of the genes analysed:

Level	Gene
	ACTN3
	AGT
	AMPD1
	PPARGC1A
	IL-6
	COL1A1
	COL5A1

We have developed a ratings system so that you can see our level of confidence in the research that we have used as a basis for our recommendations. This is based on Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine – Level of Evidence, March 2009* and has been modified by myDNA to apply for genetic tests.

Level		Causation and Treatment
	High	Systematic review of multiple RCT (meta-analysis) Systematic review of meta-analyses Single RCT (randomised controlled trial) with narrow confidence intervals
	High-moderate	Meta-analysis of cohort studies Prospective cohort with 80% follow up. Single RCT not in 5 Good quality ecological research Genome-wide association studies
	Moderate	Multiple case control studies Meta-analysis of case control Follow up cohort <80% Cross sectional studies >1000 people Case control good quality
	Low-moderate	Single case control not in 3 Case-series Cross sectional <1000 people
	Low	Single case report Expert opinion Biochemistry First principle Animal/bacteria analogy

We represent the variations of your genes with a letter code and a color code.

The letter code: Just like words are made up by the letters of the alphabet, genes are made up by a combination of four letters A, C, G and T. Each genetic result is represented by a combination of two of the four letters.

The colour code: We use a traffic light system to represent the effect of a gene variation. Depending on how each gene works, green is favourable,  orange less favourable whilst  red is least favourable.

Here is an example:

This genetic result is genotype CC. This is a favourable result, as it means having two copies of the C variant which gives increased power abilities.

Ahmetov II, et al. ACTN3 genotype is associated with testosterone levels of athletes. Biol Sport. 2014. 31(2): 105–108.

Alfred T, et al. ACTN3 genotype, athletic status, and life course physical capability: meta-analysis of the published literature and findings from nine studies. Hum Mutat. 2011. 32(9), 1008-1018.

Del Coso J, et al. ACTN3 X-allele carriers had greater levels of muscle damage during a half-ironman. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2017. 117(1), 151-158.

Gentil P, et al. ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism and Neuromuscular Response to Resistance Training. J Sports Sci Med. 2011. 10(2), 393-399.

Karp JR. Muscle fiber types and training. National Strength and Conditioning Association. 2001. 23(5), 21-26.

Kikuchi N, et al. Effective utilization of genetic information for athletes and coaches: focus on ACTN3 R577X polymorphism. J Exerc Nutrition Biochem. 2015. 19(3), 157-164.

Kikuchi N, et al. The ACTN3 R577X genotype is associated with muscle function in a Japanese population. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2015. 40(4), 316-322.

Norman B, et al. Strength, power, fiber types, and mRNA expression in trained men and women with different ACTN3 R577X genotypes. J Appl Physiol. 2009. 106(3), 959-965.

Pimenta EM, et al. The ACTN3 genotype in soccer players in response to acute eccentric training. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012. 112(4), 1495-1503.

Vincent B, et al. Protective role of alpha-actinin-3 in the response to an acute eccentric exercise bout. J Appl Physiol. 2010. 109(2), 564-573.

Yang N, et al. The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism in East and West African athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2007. 39(11): 1985-8.

Aleksandra ZJ, et al. The AGT Gene M235T Polymorphism and Response of Power-Related Variables to Aerobic Training. J Sports Sci Med. 2016. 15(4): 616-624.

Gomez-Gallego F, et al. The C allele of the AGT Met235Thr polymorphism is associated with power sports performance. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2009. 34(6): 1108-1111.

Miyamoto-Mikami E, et al. Lack of association between genotype score and sprint/power performance in the Japanese population. J Sci Med Sport. 2017. 20(1): 98-103.

Zarebska A, et al. Association of rs699 (M235T) polymorphism in the AGT gene with power but not endurance athlete status. J Strength Cond Res. 2013. 27(10): 2898-2903.

Collins M, et al. The COL1A1 gene and acute soft tissue ruptures. Br J Sports Med. 2010. 44(14), 1063-1064.

Gallo RA, et al. Common leg injuries of long-distance runners: anatomical and biomechanical approach. Sports health. 2012. 4(6), 485-495.

Kelly AK. Anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2008. 7(5), 255-262.

Khoschnau S, et al. Type I collagen alpha1 Sp1 polymorphism and the risk of cruciate ligament ruptures or shoulder dislocations. Am J Sports Med. 2008. 36(12), 2432-2436.

Mandelbaum BR, et al. Effectiveness of a neuromuscular and proprioceptive training program in preventing anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes: 2-year follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2005. 33(7), 1003-1010.

Mann V, et al. A COL1A1 Sp1 binding site polymorphism predisposes to osteoporotic fracture by affecting bone density and quality. J Clin Invest. 2001. 107(7), 899-907.

Posthumus M, et al. Genetic risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament ruptures: COL1A1 gene variant. Br J Sports Med. 2009. 43(5), 352-356.

Posthumus M, et al. The COL5A1 gene is associated with increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures in female participants. Am J Sports Med. 2009. 37(11), 2234-2240.

Sallis RE, et al. Comparing sports injuries in men and women. Int J Sports Med. 2001. 22(6), 420-423.

Soligard T, et al. Comprehensive warm-up programme to prevent injuries in young female footballers: cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2008. 337, a2469.

Wang C, et al. Association of polymorphisms rs1800012 in COL1A1 with sports-related tendon and ligament injuries: a meta-analysis. Oncotarget. 2017. 8(16), 27627-27634.

Collins M, et al. The COL1A1 gene and acute soft tissue ruptures. Br J Sports Med. 2010. 44(14), 1063-1064.

Khoschnau S, et al. Type I collagen alpha1 Sp1 polymorphism and the risk of cruciate ligament ruptures or shoulder dislocations. Am J Sports Med. 2008. 36(12), 2432-2436.

Wang C, et al. Association of polymorphisms rs1800012 in COL1A1 with sports-related tendon and ligament injuries: a meta-analysis. Oncotarget. 2017. 8(16), 27627-27634.

Mohr AR, et al. Effect of foam rolling and static stretching on passive hip-flexion range of motion. Journal of sport rehabilitation. 2014. 23(4): 296-299.

O'Connell K, et al. Collagen genes and exercise-associated muscle cramping. Clin J Sport Med. 2013. 23(1): 64-69.

Posthumus M, et al. The COL5A1 gene: a novel marker of endurance running performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011. 43(4): 584-589.

September AV, et al. Variants within the COL5A1 gene are associated with Achilles tendinopathy in two populations. Br J Sports Med. 2009. 43(5): 357-365.

Abrahams S, et al. A polymorphism in a functional region of the COL5A1 gene: association with ultraendurance-running performance and joint range of motion. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2014. 9(3): 583-590.

Aguilar AJ, et al. A dynamic warm-up model increases quadriceps strength and hamstring flexibility. J Strength Cond Res. 2012. 26(4): 1130-1141.

Altinisik J, et al. The BstUI and DpnII Variants of the COL5A1 Gene Are Associated With Tennis Elbow. Am J Sports Med. 2015. 43(7): 1784-1789.v

Chan SP, et al. Flexibility and passive resistance of the hamstrings of young adults using two different static stretching protocols. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2001. 11(2): 81-86.

Collins M, et al. The COL5A1 genotype is associated with range of motion measurements. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2009. 19(6): 803-810.

Collins M, et al. Type V collagen genotype and exercise-related phenotype relationships: a novel hypothesis. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2011. 39(4): 191-198.

Lim ST, et al. The COL5A1 genotype is associated with range of motion. J Exerc Nutrition Biochem. 2015. 19(2): 49-53.

Miller KC, et al. Exercise-associated muscle cramps: causes, treatment, and prevention. Sports Health. 2010. 2(4): 279-283.

Baumert P, at al. Genetic variation and exercise-induced muscle damage: implications for athletic performance, injury and ageing. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2016. 116: 1595-625.

Belizario JE, et al. Skeletal muscle wasting and renewal: a pivotal role of myokine IL-6. Springerplus. 2016. 5: 619.

Bowtell JL, et al. Montmorency cherry juice reduces muscle damage caused by intensive strength exercise. 2016. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 43: 1544-51.

Connolly DAJ, et al. Efficacy of a tart cherry juice blend in preventing the symptoms of muscle damage. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2006. 40: 679-83.

Eider J, et al. Association of the 174 G/C polymorphism of the IL6 gene in Polish power-orientated athletes. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2013. 53: 88-92.

Febbraio MA, et al. Contraction-induced myokine production and release: is skeletal muscle an endocrine organ? Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2005. 33: 114-9.

Fishman D, et al. The effect of novel polymorphisms in the interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene on IL-6 transcription and plasma IL-6 levels, and an association with systemic-onset juvenile chronic arthritis. J Clin Invest. 1998. 102: 1369-76.

Huuskonen A, et al. A common variation in the promoter region of interleukin-6 gene shows association with exercise performance. J Sports Sci Med. 2009. 8: 271-7.

Matsumura MD, et al. The Effects of Pre-Exercise Ginger Supplementation on Muscle Damage and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Phytother Res. 2015. 29: 887-93.

Rana BK, et al. The IL-6 Gene Promoter SNP and Plasma IL-6 in Response to Diet Intervention. Nutrients. 2017. 9.

Rankin P, et al. The effect of milk on the attenuation of exercise-induced muscle damage in males and females. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2015. 115: 1245-61.

Rawson ES, et al. Perspectives on Exertional Rhabdomyolysis. Sports Med. 2015. 47: 33-49.

Reihmane D, et al. Interleukin-6: possible biological roles during exercise. Eur J Sport Sci. 2014. 14: 242-50.

Ruiz JR, et al. The -174 G/C polymorphism of the IL6 gene is associated with elite power performance. J Sci Med Sport. 2010. 13: 549-53.

Ahmetov II, et al. The combined impact of metabolic gene polymorphisms on elite endurance athlete status and related phenotypes. Hum Genet. 2009. 126(6), 751-761.

Eynon N, et al. Do PPARGC1A and PPARalpha polymorphisms influence sprint or endurance phenotypes? Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2010. 20(1), e145-150.

Gineviciene V, et al. Association analysis of ACE, ACTN3 and PPARGC1A gene polymorphisms in two cohorts of European strength and power athletes. Biol Sport. 2016. 33(3), 199-206.

Jin HJ, et al. Is there a relationship between PPARD T294C/PPARGC1A Gly482Ser variations and physical endurance performance in the Korean population? Genes & Genomics. 2016. 38(4), 389-395.

Lucia A, et al. PPARGC1A genotype (Gly482Ser) predicts exceptional endurance capacity in European men. J Appl Physiol. 2005. 99(1), 344-348.

Maciejewska A, et al. The PPARGC1A gene Gly482Ser in Polish and Russian athletes. J Sports Sci. 2012. 30(1), 101-113.

Steinbacher P, et al. The single nucleotide polymorphism Gly482Ser in the PGC-1alpha gene impairs exercise-induced slow-twitch muscle fibre transformation in humans. PLoS One. 2015. 10(4), e0123881.