Comparison of physique and physical fitness factors by Vitamin D Receptor FokⅠ polymorphism in athletic gifted children

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in physique and physical fitness factors affecting exercise performance according to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI gene polymorphism in athletic gifted children. Methods FokI VDR polymorphisms were genotyped in 82 boys (9.1±0.9 years) and 55 girls (9.3±0.9 years). Basic physical fitness (basketball throw, half-squat jump, standing long jump, 15m pacer, 50m run, handgrip strength, side-step, trunk forward flexion, sit-up) and physique were measured and analyzed using one-way ANOVA with bonferroni’s correction. Results No association was found between the VDR FokI genotypes and all the physical fitness variables as well as physique variables in boys and girl. However, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium results for VDR polymorphism distribution showed significant differences (χ2= 6.516, df=2, p=.038). Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in the fitness variables according to the VDR Fok1 genotype, it was difficult to exclude the potential for predicting fitness in that the H-W equilibrium test showed a significant difference. Therefore, in order to confirm the true potential of the VDR Fok1 gene to predict physical fitness, it is considered that additional studies on general children should be conducted.

Keywords

• vdr fok1 polymorphism
• children
• physical fitness
• physique