A genetic-based algorithm for recovery: A pilot study

• Published in: bioRxiv
• Main Authors: Pickering, Craig, Kiely, John, Suraci, Bruce, Quigley, Charlie, Watson, Jake
• Format: Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Cold Spring Harbor Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 20.07.2017; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
• Edition: 1.1
• Subjects: Fitness training programs; Genetic diversity; Genetics; Physical training
• ISSN: 2692-8205; 2692-8205
• DOI: 10.1101/166181

Exercise training creates a number of physical challenges to the body, the overcoming of which drives exercise adaptation. The balance between sufficient stress and recovery is a crucial, but often under-explored, area within exercise training. Genetic variation can also predispose some individuals to a greater need for recovery after exercise. In this pilot study, 18 male soccer players underwent a repeated sprint training session. Countermovement jump (CMJ) heights were recorded immediately pre- and post-training, and at 24- and 48-hours post-training. The reduction in CMJ height was greatest at all post-training time points in subjects with a larger number of gene variants associated with a reduced exercise recovery. This suggests that knowledge of genetic information can be important in individualizing recovery timings and modalities in athletes following training.