Sport, genetics and prevention
Sport, genetic and prevention
Most people understand that sports can sometimes be unhealthy. Nevertheless, every time anew, we are all shocked to hear of a top athlete struck by acute heart failure or brain damage. Genetic testing could reduce the risk of this, by predicting the risk of such disorders. However, testing for these risks conjures up major ethical dilemmas. Should you make such testing compulsory? Can you exclude people from certain sports on the basis of an unfavourable outcome? Should children also be tested, and may they decide on the consequences of their test result? Are fanatical or overly concerned parents competent to take such decisions?
Reason for this project was to inventory and stimulate the discussion about this subject. While scientists such as neurogeneticists, cardiologists and sports physicians are familiar with the technical dilemmas, the ethical side of the equation is still underexposed, as is the case among athletes, coaches, sports clubs and associations. According to the researchers, questions concerning the autonomy of the individual sportsman or woman play a central role. Is he or she able to effectively assess the personal risks, and to determine whether they are worth taking?
Duration project: March 2007 - March 2009