Genetic conditionality of strength by the ACE gene in women horse riders

The sport performance relies on hard work, intensity, duration of workout and undoubtedly on genetic background. These components fold on multicausal character of sport achievements. One of the best known genes associated with sport performance is angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE). In this study, we showed ACE distribution in women horse riders and the correlation between physiological and genetic background, that should be taken into account when deciding to train sports discipline. Data from 40 healthy female adults were collected. Participants trained horse-riding for at least 3 years and participated in sport competition at least at national level and control group consist of out of training persons. We analysed BMI, %FAT, cardiorespiratory efficiency (VO2max), Complex Reaction Time, body balance, force and Lower Limbs Explosive Force between both calculated groups. Physiological data was calculated by non-parametric Mann-Whitney test with Dunnett’s post hoc test. The DNA amplification from saliva was performed by PCR method to analyze the ACE genotype distribution. In our study, for the first time we showed that the women training dressage have higher force and complex reaction time than the control group. It was correlated with possession of the D allele in genotype that is associated with muscle strength, efficiency and muscle power. There is no research relating to ACE polymorphism among horse riders. This paper showed angiotensin converting enzyme gene distribution polymorphism in female Polish professional horse riders. This article confirms correlation between genotype, sports results and physiological parameters.