The Relationship Between Athlete Muscle Injuries, MLCK Gene Polymorphism, and Personality Traits

Introduction: The study aimed to determine the frequency of muscle injury and the relationship between MLCK gene polymorphism and personality in athletes. Objective: 57 athletes, 12 women and 45 men, participated in the study. Method: The Big Five-50 Personality Test assessed personality traits. The MLCK gene polymorphism was analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Result : There was no statistically significant difference between total scores in terms of the Big Five-50 Personality Test factor total scores created according to the C37885A allele of the MLCK gene regarding the extraversion factor of athletes with A/A and C/C (p>0.05), Harmony factor (p>0.05), Emotional Stability factor (p>0.05), and Intelligence/Imagination factor (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the total scores of the Responsibility factor (p<0.05). Conclusion: The total score for the Responsibility factor of the C/C group was higher than that of the A/A group. Two groups formed according to C37885A, and the number of muscle injuries either in a season or whole sports life had no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The injury frequency rates of athletes with A/A and C/C did not differ in season and throughout their entire sports life.