How are COMT and Sport related?

The relationship between COMT and sport revolves around dopamine metabolism. The common Val158Met (rs4680) variant alters enzyme activity: Met carriers have lower COMT activity, leading to higher dopamine levels, which may enhance endurance, pain tolerance, and cognitive focus during exercise. Conversely, Val carriers may have advantages in explosive, high-intensity activities. However, effect sizes are small and inconsistent across studies, influenced by training, diet, and sex. Evidence is human-moderate: associations exist but are not robust enough for personalized training. Caveat: Genetic testing alone cannot predict athletic performance; lifestyle factors are far more important.