ACE I / D genotype in professional fi eld hockey players

Introduction. Numerous studies have focused on the association between I/D ACE and physical fi tness; however, this association in professional hockey players has never been recognized. Aim of the Study. The study examined the distribution of Alu insertion (I)/deletion (D) angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) genotypes in elite male professional fi eld hockey players. Material and Methods. The effect of Alu insertion (I)/deletion (D) angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) genotypes on motor skills and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in 47 elite male fi eld hockey players was studied. Genotyping for ACE I/D was performed using a polymerase chain reaction on DNA from leucocytes. The studied motor skills such as speed – 20 m run, power – vertical jump, recovery – step-test, speed endurance (15 x 20 m) shuttle run, were established using functional tests. The VO2max was measured during progressive exercise test till exhaustion. Results. The authors do not confi rm some literature data that D allele favours endurance ability. We did not detect signifi cant genotype effects of ACE on the analyzed traits; however a tendency for decreased performance of individuals with the DD genotype was noted for vertical jump, power peak and power. Conclusions. Analysis of the genetic profi le of ACE I/D may provide supplemetary information on a player’s predispositions to exercise with specifi c energy requirements.