Risk of injury

# How high is your risk of injury? Sport offers numerous benefits for health and well-being. Nevertheless, every sporting activity also involves a certain degree of danger and an associated risk of injury. Whether it's soccer, weight training, basketball, biking, jogging or yoga, injuries can occur in any sport due to accidents, overloading or poor technique. Genetic predisposition plays a particularly important role in the case of overloading. This is about the body's reaction to physical (over)strain and the resistance of the tissue structures. ## Our recommendation for a training plan To create an individual training plan, we recommend consulting a sports physician, physiotherapist or personal trainer. In this way, your strengths, weaknesses and goals can be taken into account and healthy, performance-enhancing and injury-free training can be achieved. > ## Good to know > > In addition to genetic predisposition, other factors such as training, diet, lifestyle, sleep quality and environment also influence the risk of injury. > With targeted training, good movement technique and a healthy lifestyle, the risk of injury can be reduced in the long term. Based on your genetic profile, targeted training programs and injury prevention strategies can be developed. # What do genetics have to do with it? We examine three genes with regard to your risk of injury: The AKR7A2P1 gene (aldo-ketoreductase family 7, member A2, pseudogene 1 gene) is one of those genes involved in the detoxification of harmful metabolic products. The gene carries the blueprint for enzymes in the cells that protect and repair connective tissue. Certain variants of the AKR7A2P1 gene are associated with the risk of injury in connective and supporting tissue. - Variant rs1049434 of the AKR7A2P1 gene: Genotypes A/A and A/T show an increased susceptibility to various injuries, including cruciate ligament injuries. In this case, the structural integrity of the cruciate ligament is reduced due to genetically reduced enzyme activity and the risk of injury is increased. In addition, these variants tend to be associated with an increased lactate concentration during sporting activities, for example sprinting. This can be associated with reduced performance, muscle weakness and muscle pain due to the resulting hyperacidity in the muscle. The MMP3 gene (matrix metalloproteinase 3 gene) carries the blueprint for an enzyme in the cells that is involved in tissue healing and regeneration. Certain variants of the MMP3 gene are associated with an increased risk of injury in the musculoskeletal system. - Variant rs679620 of the MMP3 gene: carriers of an A allele have a higher risk of Achilles tendon injuries. - Variant rs679620 of the MMP3 gene: The C/T and T/T genotypes show a reduced risk of Achilles tendon injuries. The COL5A1 gene (collagen type 5Alpha1 gene) carries the blueprint for the production of the collagen type V protein in the cells. Collagen is a central component of connective tissue, including tendons, ligaments and skin. The COL5A1 gene and the collagen type V protein thus contribute to the structure and strength of tissue. - Variant rs12722 of the COL5A1 gene: carriers of a T allele have a higher risk of Achilles tendon injuries. - Variant rs12722 of the COL5A1 gene: The C/T and T/T genotypes carry a higher risk of Achilles tendinopathy (wear and tear, damage to the Achilles tendon), rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the development of tennis elbow. - Variant rs12722 of the COL5A1 gene: Genotype C/C shows only a partially increased risk of Achilles tendinopathy (wear and tear, damage to the Achilles tendon), rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and development of tennis elbow. - Variant rs3196378 of the COL5A1 gene: Genotype A/A carries a higher risk of soft tissue injuries (muscles, tendons, nerves and skin). - Variant rs3196378 of the COL5A1 gene: Genotypes A/C and C/C show a lower risk of soft tissue injuries (muscles, tendons, nerves and skin).