Effect Size and Replicability in Genetic Studies of Athletic Performance: A Meta-Analytical Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

This meta-analytical review assesses the relationship between effect size and replication success in genetic studies of athletic performance, focusing on the ACTN3 and ACE polymorphisms across power- and endurance-based sports. The analysis revealed substantial heterogeneity in reported effect sizes (overall I² = 72.3%), indicating considerable variability between studies, likely influenced by differences in population genetics, study design, and sample size.

Methods

For ACTN3, the pooled effect sizes were 1.40 (95% CI: 1.18-1.65) for power sports and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.12-1.58) for endurance sports. Although the difference between these estimates is small, it reached statistical significance (p = 0.0237), reflecting

SUBMITTER: Losinska KW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12469432 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature