SportNL DNA databank
SportNL to the top
The SportNL DNA database (SDD-NL) is an initiative of Dutch top sport and part of the project "Research Center for DNA and Sport" (CDAS). Project CDAS is again part of Prof. Maurice Zeegers' research group at Maastricht University.
Sport Genetics recognizes the reality that not every athlete is born with the same genetic predisposition and seeks to create the “evidence base” for this. We investigate its application in real world (elite) sport settings.
Evidence-based knowledge about the relationship between specific sports characteristics and genetic predisposition provides new data to make better informed choices in selection, nutrition, training, injury treatment, recovery and competition strategy. Evidence-based knowledge about its application can help to decide whether, and in which contexts, Sport Genetic DNA test may be useful.
By collecting and linking DNA data and sports phenotypes, a database is available on which scientific research can be conducted into the relationship between DNA and Sports.
Data set
The SportNL DNA database (SDD-NL) is stored anonymously and securely at Sport Data Valley. The dataset contains whole genome DNA SNP data (1 million genetic markers) for each athlete that can be anonymously linked to many different sports characteristics consisting of biological parameters, wearable data, psychological parameters and competition results.
The participating athletes own their own data and may decide to share their data for scientific research. Upon consent, scientific researchers can access the database to discover new DNA sports characteristics based on WGA association research or Mendelian randomization. Mendelian randomization is based on the idea that traits and environmental factors are equally distributed among carriers and non-carriers of different genetic variants.
CDAS Partners
Maurice Zeegers is professor of Complex Genetics and Epidemiology at Maastricht University, and the PI of project CDAS and SDD-NL. He is widely cited with more than 400 scientific articles and four books. Maurice has a passion for sports, such as long-distance running.
Geert Ruigrok is co-founder of the World Performance Center, partner of CDAS. In collaboration with NOC*NSF/TeamNL, he has designed 6 Olympic campaigns, set up various regional and national training centers, built a Top Sports Expertise & Innovation Center and supports more than 1,000 talents and top athletes during National Championships, European Championships, World Cups and Olympic Games. Geert was director of a top sports organization for 16 years, chairman of the Netherlands Olympic Network and has built a thriving sports ecosystem around talent development and top sports with more than 250 national and international partners from education, government, business, healthcare and sports
Maurice Ambaum is co-founder of the World Performance Center and entrepreneur at the intersection of communication, media and marketing. He knows the sports world from various disciplines: as a sports journalist, as a manager of top athletes, as a competition and event organizer at home and abroad, and as a communications and marketing advisor for organizations in the sports and exercise domains (top sports, recreational sports, entrepreneurial sports). Maurice is the author of sports books and textbooks for the fitness industry.
Recent Publications (with authors from the meta-research team)
- A critical examination of sport discipline typology: identifying inherent limitations and deficiencies in contemporary classification systems (Magdalena Konopka, Maurice Zeegers)
- Changes in acceptability, consideration, intention, and uptake of direct-to-consumer genetic tests in the Netherlands from 2017 to 2022 (AnnaRoos Leerschool, Anke Wesselius, Maurice Zeegers)
- Genetics and athletic performance: a systematic SWOT analysis of non-systematic reviews (Magdalena Konopka, Maurice Zeegers)
- Factors associated with high-level endurance performance: An expert consensus derived via the Delphi technique (Magdelena Konopka, Maurice Zeegers)
- Genetics of long‐distance runners and road cyclists—A systematic review with meta‐analysis (Magdalena Konopka, Maurice Zeegers)