ABSTRACT:
This study analyzed the influence of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism (genotypes AA, AG, GG) on heart rate variability (HRV), psycho-emotional state, and susceptibility to sports burnout in 100 male athletes (49 soccer players and 51 track-and-field athletes) aged 17–20 years from a specialized sports school, each with at least one year of regular training experience. Among athletes with the AA (Met/Met) genotype, resting heart rate was 9.6% higher (p<0.05) compared to the GG (Val/Val) group, while SDNN and RMSSD values were 22.4% and 32.5% lower, respectively (p<0.05). In addition, AA carriers showed a 17% (p<0.05) higher level of anxiety and a greater risk of emotional exhaustion (ABQ) compared to the GG genotype. The AG (Val/Met) genotype occupied an intermediate position, demonstrating moderate stress tolerance and balanced HRV parameters. The novelty of this work lies in the comprehensive analysis of COMT Val158Met, HRV indicators, and psycho-emotional status (anxiety, stress, and burnout) in athletes of different specializations and types of higher nervous activity, a topic not previously explored in such detail. Our findings indicate that the COMT Val158Met polymorphism substantially affects autonomic regulation and psycho-emotional resilience in athletes. The GG genotype is associated with more pronounced parasympathetic responses and lower levels of anxiety, whereas AA is characterized by heightened sympathetic activity and higher risks of stress responses and burnout. These results can be used to develop individualized training and recovery programs based on genotype to help prevent sports burnout.