Genetic predictors of autonomic regulation were sport-specific, with ADRB2 and IL6 dominating in martial artists, while MSTN, UCP3, and TRHR were the primary predictors in hockey players.
Observational (n=91)
Genetic determinants of autonomic regulation in athletes are sport-specific, highlighting the need for personalized monitoring strategies.
Backgrounds: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the hierarchical contribution of individual genetic polymorphisms to the variability of autonomic regulation parameters and respiratory function in athletes of different sport specializations using Classification and Regression Tree (CRT) analysis. Methods: The study included athletes divided into two groups: hockey players (n = 48) and martial artists (n = 43). Heart rate variability (LF, HF) parameters and spirometric indices (FEV1) were assessed. Genetic analysis included 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): IL6 rs1800795, VDR rs731236, KCNJ11 rs5219, ADRB2 rs1042713, ADRB2 rs1042714, TRHR rs16892496, MSTN rs1805086, UCP3 rs1800849. Results: In martial artists, the main predictors were genes responsible for adrenoreceptor sensitivity (ADRB2) and neuroimmune interactions (IL6). In hockey players, the most significant predictors were genes involved in muscle growth (MSTN), energy metabolism (UCP3), and neuroendocrine regulation (TRHR). These findings indicate that similar resting HRV parameters in athletes from different sports may be associated with different genetic polymorphisms, reflecting sport-specific physiological adaptations to training loads. Conclusions: The results highlight the sport-specific nature of genetic determinants of autonomic regulation. In martial artists, genes related to the immuno-adrenergic axis (IL6, ADRB2) appear to play a dominant role, whereas in hockey players neuroendocrine, muscle-metabolic, and mitochondrial factors (TRHR, MSTN, UCP3) demonstrate greater influence. The observed interactions between genotypes and FEV1 emphasize the importance of transitioning from generalized approaches toward personalized monitoring strategies in sports science.
Bacheva et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Elite athletes (n=91). Sport specialization (hockey vs. martial arts) was evaluated on Hierarchical contribution of genetic polymorphisms to autonomic regulation (HRV) and respiratory function (FEV1). Genetic predictors of autonomic regulation were sport-specific, with ADRB2 and IL6 dominating in martial artists, while MSTN, UCP3, and TRHR were the primary predictors in hockey players.