ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism and Anaerobic Performance in Ultimate Frisbee Players: A Preliminary Study

Purpose: ACTN3 R577X polymorphism is a frequently studied gene polymorphism associated with athletic performance. Studies have demonstrated a strong association between the 577RR genotype and sprint and power-based sports. Ultimate Frisbee (UF) is a physically demanding sport requiring aerobic and anaerobic skills. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and the anaerobic power capabilities of UF players. Methods: The study included 30 UF players in the study group (mean age ± SD 21.03 ± 2.04 years) and 30 volunteers in the control group (mean age ± SD 22.17 ± 1.39 years). Anaerobic power was assessed using vertical jump, running-based anaerobic sprint (RAST), triple hop, and closed kinetic chain upper extremity tests. Blood samples were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RR, RX, and XX represent homozygous dominant, heterozygous dominant, and recessive genotypes, respectively. Results: Fatigue Index (FI) data from RAST test results was the only variable that differed between study and control groups (Study Group: 6.02 ± 3.52 vs. Control Group: 4.17 ± 1.71 watts/sec, p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference between the study and control groups in vertical jump, triple hop, and closed kinetic chain upper extremity test results. No statistically significant difference was found in anaerobic performance tests among the genotype groups in UF players. Conclusion: In this study conducted with limited sample size, the anaerobic performance of UF players was not found to be associated with ACTN3 R577X polymorphism. However, performing the same screening in larger sample groups in future studies may yield more efficient results.