Investigation of the relationship between the COL5A1 gene and range of motion and soft tissue injuries

Objective: Our study was conducted to investigate the relationship between COL5A1 gene and range of motion and soft tissue injuries. Material and Method: A total of 100 male athletes over the age of 18 from elite level bodybuilding, wrestling, gymnastics and football sports branches were included in our study. DNA isolation kit was used from the blood sample of the athletes and isolation process was performed. The isolated blood samples were genotyped for COL5A1 rs12722 BstUI in OMÜ KİTAM Laboratory. Using the goniometer instrument, waist flexion-extension range of motion levels of the athletes were measured. The goniometer measurement results of the athletes were compared with the results of COL5A1 rs12722 BstUI polymorphism. ANOVA, Pearson Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Tests were used for statistical evaluation. The Hardy-Weinberg balance was noted in the distribution of COL5A1 rs12722 BstUI polymorphism in the population (p>0.05). Findings: COL5A1 rs12722 in terms of BstUI polymorphism genotype distribution, 30% of the athletes had CC, 46% had CT and 24% had TT genotype. In terms of allele distribution, 53% of athletes have the C allele and 47% have the T allele. There was a statistically significant difference between COL5A1 rs12722 BstUI and lumbar flexion range of motion in favor of CC genotype and C allele. (p<0.05). In the daily training period there was a a statistically significant difference in favor of CC genotype alone (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the other sub-dimensions of the COL5A1 rs12722 BstUI polymorphism (p>0.05). Result: In our study, it was concluded that the CC genotype of COL5A1 rs12722 BstUI polymorphism and the C allele were associated with the increased level of range of motion in lumbar flexion. With the increase in the level of range of motion, athletes can be significantly protected from soft tissue injuries.