Risks and limits of Sportgene Labor

Sports genetic tests often claim to predict athletic performance, injury risk, or optimal diet based on single DNA variants (e.g., ACTN3, PPARA). The evidence is weak: most associations come from GWAS with small effect sizes (e.g., rs4253778 in PPARA shows modest influence on fat metabolism). No large randomized trial proves that DNA-based training plans outperform standard evidence-based advice. Risks include misinterpretation (e.g., 'I have the sprint gene, so I don't need endurance training'), false reassurance, or unnecessary anxiety. Many tested variants are clinically irrelevant – a benign polymorphism does not predict actual performance or health. Environmental factors (training, nutrition, sleep) dominate. For children, such tests are especially problematic, potentially leading to inappropriate diet changes or psychological pressure. Bottom line: sports gene tests may satisfy curiosity but provide no reliable diagnosis or training guidance. Professional sports medicine support is far more valuable.