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This book explores how advances in genomic science are transforming the way athletes train, recover and perform. Bringing together experts in genetics, physiology, nutrition, and strength and conditioning, it bridges the gap between research and real-world application, presenting practical strategies for coaches and practitioners that have been developed over nearly a decade of translating molecular discoveries into actionable insights.
Organized from foundational to applied perspectives, the book begins with the principles of DNA structure, gene expression, inheritance and epigenetic regulation before advancing to genetic influences on exercise physiology, nutrition, inflammation, oxidative stress and recovery. Detailed chapters examine the roles of key genes and polymorphisms, such as ACTN3, ACE, PPARGC1A and COL5A1, in determining strength, endurance and susceptibility to injury. Applied case studies demonstrate how genomic information can inform personalized training and monitoring in endurance and power sports, with examples from track and field, open-water swimming, and team sports. The final chapters address ethical considerations, methodological limitations and the integration of multi-omics and artificial intelligence in the era of precision sports science.
Genetics and Sports Performance is written for researchers, students, and applied professionals and offers a balanced, evidence-based framework for using genetic insights responsibly and effectively to enhance human performance while respecting its biological and ethical complexity.
List of contents
Introduction to Genetics Applied to Sports.- History of Scientific Research in Genetics and Sports.- Genetics and Exercise Physiology.- Genetics and Sports Nutrition.- Genetic Influences on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Recovery in Sports Performance.- Genomics and Soccer Performance: From Genetic Markers to Applied Interventions.- Precision Training in Endurance Sports: A Genomic Case Study of an Elite Open Water Swimmer.- Integrating Genomics in Track and Field: Insights from Retrospective and Prospective Case Studies.- From Genetic Testing to Precision Sport: Limitations, Ethical Issues, and Future Perspectives.
About the author
Ricardo Muller Bottura is a sport scientist and strength and conditioning professional whose career unites academic rigor with over two decades of practical experience in athletic training and human performance. His work focuses on the integration of genetics, physiology, and biomechanics to better understand individual variability in adaptation, endurance, and recovery. He has combined years of applied coaching experience with scientific research to develop evidence-based approaches that connect laboratory findings to real-world training environments. As an educator and researcher, he promotes a vision of precision exercise science, where data-driven strategies enhance performance while respecting the complexity and individuality of each athlete.
Summary
This book explores how advances in genomic science are transforming the way athletes train, recover and perform. Bringing together experts in genetics, physiology, nutrition, and strength and conditioning, it bridges the gap between research and real-world application, presenting practical strategies for coaches and practitioners that have been developed over nearly a decade of translating molecular discoveries into actionable insights.
Organized from foundational to applied perspectives, the book begins with the principles of DNA structure, gene expression, inheritance and epigenetic regulation before advancing to genetic influences on exercise physiology, nutrition, inflammation, oxidative stress and recovery. Detailed chapters examine the roles of key genes and polymorphisms, such as ACTN3, ACE, PPARGC1A and COL5A1, in determining strength, endurance and susceptibility to injury. Applied case studies demonstrate how genomic information can inform personalized training and monitoring in endurance and power sports, with examples from track and field, open-water swimming, and team sports. The final chapters address ethical considerations, methodological limitations and the integration of multi-omics and artificial intelligence in the era of precision sports science.
Genetics and Sports Performance is written for researchers, students, and applied professionals and offers a balanced, evidence-based framework for using genetic insights responsibly and effectively to enhance human performance while respecting its biological and ethical complexity.
