Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
9
Duration
2 hours
MCP's sports genetics programme gives athletes and parents a genetic roadmap for performance optimisation and injury prevention. DNA analysis reveals muscle fibre composition (endurance vs power predisposition), VO2 max genetic potential, recovery capacity, cardiac risk genes, hormonal response to training load, and mental resilience markers. The assessment covers both positive predispositions to guide sport selection and negative risk factors — including cardiac arrhythmia genes that pose a danger at extreme training loads. Available for individual athletes and sports teams or clubs.
Performance genetics is becoming standard practice in elite sport, and MCP offers this assessment to individual athletes, junior athletes (with parents), and sports clubs seeking population-level screening of their squads. The sports genetics consultation is led by MUDr. Radek Klubal (immunology, health risk assessment) and MUDr. Silvie Růžičková (clinical genetics), in collaboration with Ing. Silvia Illýová (sports nutrition). The programme integrates DNA analysis with physiological markers and nutritional profiling. **Genetic analysis domains:** *Physical predisposition:* - **ACTN3 (R577X)** — the 'speed gene' distinguishing fast-twitch (power/sprint) vs slow-twitch (endurance) muscle fibre dominance - **ACE I/D** — cardiovascular efficiency and VO2 max potential (I allele associated with endurance advantage, D allele with power sports) - **PPARGC1A** — mitochondrial biogenesis gene, critical for aerobic capacity development - **PPARA, PPARD** — fat metabolism efficiency in endurance events *Injury and recovery risk:* - **COL1A1, COL5A1** — collagen gene variants affecting tendon/ligament injury susceptibility - **MMP3** — matrix metalloproteinase involved in connective tissue injury and repair rate - **IL6, TNF-α** — inflammatory response genes affecting recovery time between sessions - **IGF1** — growth factor response to resistance training *Cardiac safety (critical for high-intensity sport):* - **SCN5A** — sodium channel gene; certain variants are associated with Brugada syndrome and sudden cardiac death risk - **KCNQ1, KCNH2** — potassium channel genes; long QT syndrome predisposition, relevant for endurance athletes - **MYH7, MYBPC3** — hypertrophic cardiomyopathy risk (the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes) *Hormonal and metabolic:* - **COMT** — catecholamine metabolism (stress response, mental performance under pressure) - **NR3C1** — glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity (cortisol response to training stress) - **MTHFR** — folate/homocysteine, relevant for recovery nutrition The consultation concludes with a written sport-specific report: which sports best match the athlete's genetic architecture, optimal training periodisation, recovery nutrition protocols (supported by Ing. Illýová's expertise), and risk management strategies for identified negative variants. For sports clubs, MCP offers group consultation packages covering the whole squad — identifying ideal positions, injury-prone individuals for additional support, and cardiac risk cases requiring further cardiology review.
Key Details
- Cardiac screening
- Brugada, Long QT, HCM gene variants
- Muscle type
- ACTN3 R577X — endurance vs power
- Injury risk
- Collagen genes — tendon/ligament vulnerability
- Team option
- Squad-level packages for sports clubs
Who Is This For?
Junior and adult athletes, parents of competitive youth athletes, sports clubs seeking squad genetic screening, athletes with unexplained fatigue or injury patterns
What's Included
Preparation Required
Book via extranet.mc-praha.cz. Bring training log and injury history. Blood draw for hormonal panel — arrive fasting if scheduling in the morning. DNA sample is a simple blood draw (no separate kit).
Panel Categories
Biomarkers Tested
9The primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol regulates metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the sleep-wake cycle. Chronically elevated cortisol from stress contributes to weight gain, immune suppression, and metabolic dysfunction.
Metabolite of testosterone.
The primary iron storage protein. Ferritin reflects total body iron stores and is the first marker to drop in iron deficiency. However, ferritin also rises with inflammation, infection, and liver disease, which can mask true iron deficiency.
A mineral essential for oxygen transport (in hemoglobin), energy production, and immune function. Serum iron measures the amount circulating in blood, but ferritin and TIBC provide a more complete picture of iron status.
Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions including energy production, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Magnesium deficiency is common and associated with muscle cramps, anxiety, insomnia, and increased cardiovascular risk.
A metal that causes allergic contact dermatitis in sensitised individuals. Occupational or dietary exposure to elevated nickel levels can affect the respiratory system and kidneys. Common sources include jewellery, coins, and certain foods.
A metal found in canned foods, solder, and industrial materials. While small amounts of inorganic tin are relatively non-toxic, high levels can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Organotin compounds are more toxic and affect the immune and nervous systems.
Essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. B12 deficiency can cause anemia, neuropathy, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Common in vegans, vegetarians, older adults, and those taking metformin or acid-reducing medications.
The best indicator of overall vitamin D status. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Deficiency is extremely common, especially in northern latitudes, and linked to increased disease risk.
From 6,000 Kč per sports genetics assessment. Price confirmed at booking. Includes athletic predisposition DNA analysis (muscle fibre type, VO2 max potential, injury risk, cardiac safety profile), immune status, hormonal profile, and personalised training recommendations. Available for individual athletes and sports teams.
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Duration
- 2 hours