A huge number of studies were conducted to realize if the ACTN3 gene polymorphism distribution could be a genetic marker for soccer players` selection, some studies have confirmed and some have denied using ACTN3 for players selection at least alone. Hence the researcher in this study tried to investigate the existence of a relation between the ACTN3 gene polymorphism and high altitude in Albaha province (2270 m) in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia , also if there is a relation between this gene and some physiological and physical variables which could be relayed on as a base for players selection. 68 healthy male Saudi soccer players aged between 18.86±2.35 years, playing at the first division of the Saudi League for youth were enrolled in this study. Eleven physiological and physical variables were evaluated including concentration and size of ACTIN 3 gene, Speed 30 m, Cardio respiratory endurance, Vo2 max, Lactic acid concentration after effort and the Vital Capacity. The results indicate the existence of a correlation between the ACTN3 gene polymorphism and some physical and physiological variables for the RR genotype followed by the RX genotype. While the only correlation the ACTN3 XX genotype has showed was with the aerobic ability. Finally the researchers confirmed on the importance of the ACTN3 gene polymorphism as a genetic marker for soccer players selection in high altitude in addition to performance skills and recommend that training programs should be updated considering quantifying and distributing the training loads to keep up with the high altitudes.
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