A Comparative Study of ALDH2 rs671 Gene and Physical Characteristics and Fitness of Sports Prodigies

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify differences in physique, basic physical fitness, and specific physical fitness based on the classification of the ALDH2 gene in sports prodigies.METHODS: This study tested the ALDH2 gene in 30 sports prodigies (18 males and 12 females). The participants’ physique (height, weight, arm and leg length, arm stretch, and thigh circumference), body composition (lean body mass and body fat), basic physical fitness (grip strength, sit-ups, sit-and-reach, T-wall test, light reaction time, and standing long jump), and specific physical fitness (shuttle run, sit and throw, sprint, and graded exercise test) were measured.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups classified by gene type in terms of physique, body composition, or specific physical fitness (p>.05). However, in terms of basic physical fitness, only sit-ups showed a significant difference based on the gene classification (p<.05).CONCLUSIONS: The GG genotype group demonstrated superior physical fitness compared to the A allele group when tested for ALDH2. Therefore, ALDH2 gene testing is necessary for classifying physical fitness and designing personalized training programs.