The Influence of ACTN3 Gene Polymorphism on VO2max and Sprint Speed Based on Sprint Interval Training Intervention

It is known that one of the physical fitness factors is a non-modifiable genetic factor, one of which is the ACTN3 gene. The influence of this gene polymorphism on physical fitness response, both aerobic and anaerobic, to intervention is still limited. Sprint Interval Training (SIT) as one intervention factor enhances physical fitness, both aerobic and anaerobic. The research aims at observing whether ACTN3 gene polymorphism influences VO2max and Sprint Speed with SIT intervention. VO2max is a parameter of aerobic physical fitness, while sprint speed is a parameter of anaerobic physical fitness. Twenty-eight male students of 18-25 years old were taken as the research’s subjects from the Student Activity Unit of Sports of Jenderal Soedirman University using the consecutive sampling method. The subjects were divided by genotypes identified using a PCR-RFLP method into three groups, namely RR, RX, and XX. All samples undertake three sessions of SIT per week for five weeks with work to rest ratio (W:R) = (1:8). Before and after undertaking SIT regimen, the subjects were examined for VO2max using a Multi-Stage Fitness Test method and for speed using a Sprint 30 m method. The analysis was conducted using a One-Way ANOVA test at a significance level of 0.05. There was a significant difference at mean value VO2MAX (p=0.033) and speed (p=0.048) with each genotype group, and the highest change takes place with the genotype group RR. Study concluded that ACTN3 gene polymorphism influences a change in VO2MAX and speed after Sprint Interval Training intervention.