Are muscle injury incidence and ACTN3 R577X associated with playing positions in professional soccer players?

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate whether the muscle injury incidence rates differs according to playing positions and to evaluate whether the muscle injury incidence rates differs among ACTN3 R577X genotypes in professional soccer players.MethodsForty-six Brazilian professional soccer players from first division were evaluated. Genomic DNA was extracted using blood samples, exposure time, and semi-structured interviews on muscle injuries were applied over two seasons (2021-2022).ResultsDuring matches, wide midfielders exhibited a significantly higher muscle injury incidence rate compared to central defenders (WM vs. CD; 95% CI: 0.00 +/- 43.00 vs. 0.00 +/- 493.42, respectively; p = 0.010). Similarly, ACTN3 RR genotypes showed a significantly greater muscle injury incidence rate than ACTN3 XX genotypes (RR vs. XX; 95% CI: 14.38 +/- 67.10 vs. 0.00 +/- 352.47, respectively; p = 0.016). However, no significant differences in muscle injury incidence rates were observed between playing positions or ACTN3 R577X genotypes during training sessions.ConclusionMuscle injury incidence rates in professional soccer players from the same club were influenced by playing positions and genetic factors.