Existing studies have indicated that physical, technical and psychological abilities could play prominent roles in determining the competitiveness in athletes. While a number of studies have been conducted regarding the biological basis of physical and technical abilities, there are few studies as for the athletes' psychological ability. The present study sought to elucidate the biological factors influencing athletes' psychological abilities by comparing the genetic polymorphisms, which could influence the neural function, in swimmers and non-athletes. We found BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) gene heterozygosity is more widely distributed and smaller-proportion of participants possessed Met/Met genotype associated with the vulnerability to psychological adversity in swimmers than in the non-athletes.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.35/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE