Genetic impact on your injury risk

TLDR; Genes can tell about injury predispositions, which is a tool that can be used to create a prevention strategy when training / thriving in life. If more prone to injury, prevention strategies  can be prioritized. These influences are within collagen production, tissue growth and differentiation, matrix remodeling. At least one is known to be protective, tell me which one you think it is. 

Hot genes here: COL12A1, COL1A1, COL3A1, GDF5, MMP3, TNFA, VEGFA.

Your body is a temple in many ways!! Aim for no injury

Okay…so.. individual injury responses absolutely has more factors at play then genetic influences…I still find it fascinating and important to understand. Inherited genes that play with injury risk susceptibility have been (less/poorly) studied and linked to certain injury types that are more prevalent (Achilles tendinopathy, ACL). Studied athlete risk for injury depends on influences with collagen production, tissue growth and differentiation, matrix remodeling.
Injury results from rapid or repetitive transfer of kinetic energy. It can be connective tissue, muscle, bone. Susceptibility risk gets “muddier” and is increased with certain genetics, changing/non changing individual risk factors, training type/load, and involving environmental factors. Genetic factors also include inflammation and formation of new blood vessel development (angiogenesis).  

There are plenty of injury prevention strategies, here are some tips; warmup, stretch, periodized progression, rest recovery, diet, cool down, functional strength, appropriate equipment….for a few. Understanding this for you can help to build upon some key training principles. 

Ask me how you can unlock your genetic potential.

COL12A1, COL1A1, COL3A1 - collagen fibrillogenesis/fibers of connective tissue

GDF5 - cell growth and differentiation

MMP3 - matrix remodeling

TNFA - inflammation

VEGFA - angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)