Association of the Val158Met Polymorphism of the COMT Gene with Measures of Psychophysiological Status in Athletes

Abstract

Resistance to psychological stress, motivation, physical work capacity, and fatigue are genetically determined characteristics which are important for successful competitive activity in athletes. Polymorphism of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; regulates the function of the dopaminergic system) gene can generate individual differences in the development and manifestation of psychophysical qualities. The present study assessed the influences of the rs4680 polymorphism of the COMT gene on the psychophysiological status of 146 athletes of different specialties and qualifications. Athletes carrying the Met allele were found to have high psychological stability in the critical flicker fusion frequency test, which reflects the ability to form a task-appropriate functional system and maintain it for a longer period of time, as compared with carriers of the Val allele. Females (aged 10–19 years) showed higher rates of sensorimotor reactions in a simple visuomotor reaction test and a smaller number of accurate reactions in a moving object reaction test. Males (aged 12–19 years) carrying the Met allele were characterized by higher levels of personal anxiety on the Spielberger–Hanin anxiety scale. Thus, these studies demonstrate that the rs4680 polymorphism of the COMT gene influences the psychophysiological status of athletes.