Title : Genetic Profiles and Prediction of the Success of Young Athletes ' Transition From Middle - to Long - Distance Runs – An Exploratory Study

The aim of the study was to assess whether an aerobic-favoring genetic profile can predict the success of a shift from middleto long-distance running. Thirteen elite middle-distance runners were divided into successful and non-successful groups in their shift toward long distance runs. All the runners began their training program at the age of 14-15, and after 6-7 years changed focus and adjusted their training program to fit longer running distances. The participants' personal records in the longer events were set at the age of 25-27, about 3-5 years after the training re-adjustment took place. The endurance genetic score based on nine polymorphisms was computed as the Endurance Genetic Distance Score (EGDS9). The Power Genetic Distance Score (PGDS5) was computed based on five power-related genetic polymorphisms. The mean EGDS9 was significantly higher among the successful group than the non-successful group (37.1 and 23.3, respectively, p<0.005, effect size 0.75), while the mean PGDS5 was not statistically different between the two groups (p=0.13). Our findings suggest the possible use of genetic profiles as an added tool for determining appropriate competitive transition and specialization in young athletes involved in early phases of talent development. “Genetic Profiles and Prediction of the Success of Young Athletes' Transition From Middleto Long-Distance Runs – An Exploratory Study” by Ben-Zaken S et al. Pediatric Exercise Science © 2013 Human Kinetics, Inc.