Simple home genetic test can identify health risk factors in young athletes

It's a simple home genetic test, but the results it produces can make workouts more effective, children's sports choices more appropriate and trainers' awareness of potential risk factors more precise. It can even save a life. American International Biotechnology Services (AIBioTech) today announced the launch of Sports X Factor, a test kit that provides athletes and parents of young sports competitors a wealth of information about their athletic strengths, potential health hazards and guidance for workout programs that are tailored to maximize performance.

The $200 test, which is available to the general public at www.SportsXFactor.com, enables individuals to understand how to maximize strength, power, and endurance.  Even more important, the test can identify the length of time an athlete needs to rest after experiencing a concussion, his or her chances for negative results including cardiac risk factors and various other hazards. Sports X Factor identifies increased risks of developing health conditions such as the kind of undiagnosed heart conditions that have felled young athletes during or immediately after strenuous workouts or competitions.  Various options available with the test equip users to make better decisions about their exercise routines and to order customized workout programs based on their genetic results.

"While all the genes in this kit have been studied in the past, these tests have not been widely available to the public primarily because of cost," said Bill Miller, CEO of AIBioTech.  "We have found an accurate and affordable way to make these tests available to athletes of all ages so they can maximize their potential while greatly reducing the risk of injury and even death."

With spring sports getting underway and summer athletics around the corner, the test is especially beneficial if applied to children.  As parents and kids embark on competitive sports, the results could shape decisions parents, coaches and trainers make about which sports are most appropriate for each specific child, the best methods of training and the potential for injury or life threatening conditions.  Miller referred to this as "…understanding the athlete from the inside out."  

AIBioTech developed the test after two years of analysis of genetic information gleaned from several Genetic research projects.  The company's goal was to create a simple diagnostic tool that parents and athletes could use to make informed decisions about participation in sports.  The recent sudden deaths of several gifted young athletes compelled the company's decision to bring the product to market at this time.