The Multidimensional Map of Performance in Long-Distance Runners: Our Internationally Collaborative Study Published in the SCIE-Indexed Journal Genes
A comprehensive study conducted as a joint effort between the Department of Sports Coaching, Faculty of Sports Sciences, and the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences examining the importance of human genetics in long-distance running performance through a multidimensional approach spanning physiology, genes, and athletic performance has been published in Genes (MDPI), a journal indexed in Web of Science Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) Q2 (Impact Factor: 3.5), bringing our university significant international recognition.
Supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Istanbul Gedik University (Project No: GDK202410-09), the study stands out for its multidisciplinary structure that brings physiology, genetics, and performance components together under one roof. During the research process, endurance runners first underwent muscle and bone mass analysis via DEXA at Acıbadem Hospital under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Alper Özkan. Genetic samples were then collected under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Hasan Uğur Öncel and sent for analysis to the laboratories of Agiomix (Dubai), one of the world’s leading international genetics laboratory groups. Athlete performance testing and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O₂max) measurements were carried out by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyed Houtan Shahidi at the Gedik University Sports Performance Laboratory. Prof. Dr. Jason Siegler from Arizona State University (USA) also made valuable scientific contributions to the study.
Conducted by Asst. Prof. Dr. Hasan Uğur Öncel and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyed Houtan Shahidi, the research demonstrates that endurance performance should be understood not through a single marker, but through an integrated profile of physiological, anthropometric, and genetic components. Undergraduate and master’s students also took an active part in the study.
The research team extends its sincere thanks to all colleagues who contributed to the process and to the valuable athletes who participated as volunteers.
