Genes and Injuries in Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sports injuries are a significant concern for both professional and recreational athletes, influencing performance, longevity, and rehabilitation outcomes. While external factors such as biomechanics and workload management have been extensively studied, emerging research highlights the role of genetic predispositions in injury susceptibility. This systematic review and meta-analysis consolidated findings from 24 studies examining the association between genetic polymorphisms and sports-related injuries, with a focus on musculoskeletal tissue integrity, muscle function, and inflammatory response. The analysis identified key genetic markers, including COL1A1, COL5A1, and ACTN3, associated with ligament and tendon injuries, as well as the impact of cytokine gene variants (IL-6, TNF-α) on recovery processes. The pooled odds ratio suggested a significantly increased risk of injury among individuals carrying specific genetic variants. Subgroup analyses further revealed gene-specific effects on the injury type and athlete classification. Despite these insights, gene-environment interactions and methodological variability remain challenges in fully elucidating genetic contributions to injury risk. The findings underscore the potential for personalized injury prevention strategies based on genetic screening, enhancing both sports performance and rehabilitation efficiency.