Research in genetics and biomarkers has much to say about diseases like osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and cystic fibrosis. But what, if anything, can biomarker research tell us about athletic performance? Are there genetic markers that make someone a better high-jumper, a faster runner, a stronger swimmer?

For years scientists have been trying to identify the ‘ideal’ athlete, from the amount of fast twitch muscle fibers to anthropometry (measuring body parts) to psychological outlook. In the realm of blood and tissue testing, biomarkers have been found that correlate to performance-related factors such as inflammatory response, cartilage degradation, testosterone production, and human growth hormone production. While none of these studies can pinpoint the makings of a “good athlete,” they can shed light on a few of the factors that contribute to performance.

Most of the research being conducted currently is looking at biomarkers after exercise and watching for changes in these biomarkers over time. For example, a study on half marathoners measured NT-proBNP, a biomarker that is used to help diagnose heart failure. This study found that NT-proBNP, normally found only in individuals experiencing heart failure, was elevated for athletes 24 hours after they completed a half marathon. While scientists still speculate on the application of this information, there does seem to be a correlation between the biomarkers and the exercise-induced stress on the heart.

In October, Luminescence published another interesting study. Researchers reported that neutrophil fuctions can be used to predict overtraining. The researcher compared the white blood cell count of an individual during training to the subject’s “normal” white blood cell count. By identifying changes in white blood cell count, researchers hope to pinpoint overtraining early before increasingly dangerous symptoms present themselves. These tests are still in the early stages of research, but we may be seeing a hint of what the future holds for athletic testing.

There are many factors that create good (and poor) athletes. Training, weight, nutrition, determination and even luck can play a role in athletic performance. We are just now starting to understand how some biomarkers change with episodic and long term exercise, and how they fluctuate. Biomarkers have been found to influence hormone production, muscle fiber types, cellular regeneration, bone and cartilage growth, the body’s ability to eliminate waste and much more. As we understand more how our bodies react under the stress of exercise, we hope in time to contribute to the better diagnosis of major diseases and, in the world of athletics, to more specific and accurate athletic testing.

Quan Campbell MBA, RCEP, MS, ATC is the President and exercise physiologist for LWI Peak Performance and the Lifewellness Institute. Quan has completed Ironman distances and more marathons that she can list. Her drive and determination has lead to her success in athletics as well as the success of Lifewellness Institute and Peak Performance companies. To learn more about how to get an edge on your training program visit www.lwipeakperformance.com or email Peak Performance at [email protected].