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Yu Y, Zhang X, Nitsche MA, Vicario CM, Qi F. Does a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation enhance both physical and psychological performance in national- or international-level athletes? A systematic review. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1365530. [PMID: 38962069 PMCID: PMC11220198 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1365530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Some studies showed that a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has the potential of modulating motor performance in healthy and athletes. To our knowledge, previously published systematic reviews have neither comprehensively investigated the effects of tDCS on athletic performance in both physical and psychological parameters nor investigated the effects of tDCS on high-level athletes. We examined all available research testing a single session of tDCS on strength, endurance, sport-specific performance, emotional states and cognitive performance for better application in competition and pre-competition trainings of national- or international-level athletes. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Embase, and Scopus up until to June 2023. Studies were eligible when participants had sports experience at a minimum of state and national level competitions, underwent a single session of tDCS without additional interventions, and received either sham tDCS or no interventions in the control groups. A total of 20 experimental studies (224 participants) were included from 18 articles. The results showed that a single tDCS session improved both physical and psychological parameters in 12 out of the 18 studies. Of these, six refer to the application of tDCS on the motor system (motor cortex, premotor cortex, cerebellum), five on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and two on temporal cortex. The most sensitive to tDCS are strength, endurance, and emotional states, improved in 67%, 75%, and 75% of studies, respectively. Less than half of the studies showed improvement in sport-specific tasks (40%) and cognitive performance (33%). We suggest that tDCS is an effective tool that can be applied to competition and pre-competition training to improve athletic performance in national- or international-level athletes. Further research would explore various parameters (type of sports, brain regions, stimulation protocol, athlete level, and test tasks) and neural mechanistic studies in improving efficacy of tDCS interventions. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022326989, identifier CRD42022326989.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yu
- Key Laboratory of Sport Training of General Administration of Sport of China, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Sports, Exercise and Brain Sciences Laboratory, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinbi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Sport Training of General Administration of Sport of China, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Sports, Exercise and Brain Sciences Laboratory, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Michael A. Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
- University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Hospital OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Carmelo M. Vicario
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, Psychology, Education and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Fengxue Qi
- Key Laboratory of Sport Training of General Administration of Sport of China, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- Sports, Exercise and Brain Sciences Laboratory, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
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Ramos L, Ramos TAM, Almeida RFD, da Silva-Rocha JV, Zimerer C, Arêas FZ. Acute anodal transcranial direct current stimulation improves the performance of professional rowers. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1310856. [PMID: 38699626 PMCID: PMC11063233 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1310856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of acute transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on physical and subjective responses in professional rowing during the 2,000-m time trial test. Methods Seven rowers (age 20.86 ± 4.49 years; weight 71.66 ± 7.97 kg) participated in this randomized triple-blind trial with a crossover experimental design. The protocol consists of 2 days with different conditions (anodal and sham). The tDCS anodic stimulation conducted was 2 mA for 20 min in the left temporal cortex (2.5 cm from the F7 zone and 2.5 cm from the T3 zone), targeting the left insular cortex. In the sham moment, the participants experienced 30 s of stimulation. Afterward, they performed a standardized progressive warm-up for 15 min, following the Brazilian Rowing Confederation's assessment protocols, and rested for 3 min before the test started. All procedures were made on an indoor rowing machine, which allowed the capture of performance variables such as time performed, power in watts (W), pace (m/min), and stroke rate (strokes/min). The ratings of perceived exertion [Borg scale (CR-20)] were recorded in each 2-min during the test. Results The results presented differences in power [Z: -2.371; p = 0.018; effect size (ES) = -0.896 (large)] and pace [Z: -2.371; p = 0.018; ES = -0.896 (large)] and time performance [Z: -1.612; p = 0.107; ES = -0.609 (large)] throughout the protocol for the anodal moment. Discussion However, no differences for the other variables were found. According to the results, the current tDCS with the present protocol improved the physical performance at the 2,000-m time trial Test providing ergogenic aid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Ramos
- Physiotherapy Course at the FAVI—Victorian Higher Education Association, Vitória, Brazil
- Neuromodulation Institute, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Aparecida Magacho Ramos
- Physiotherapy Course at the FAVI—Victorian Higher Education Association, Vitória, Brazil
- Neuromodulation Institute, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Freire De Almeida
- Group of Study and Research in Neurorehabilitation and Neuromodulation, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program Physiological Sciences, Center of Health Science, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Jader Vinicius da Silva-Rocha
- Group of Study and Research in Neurorehabilitation and Neuromodulation, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program Physiological Sciences, Center of Health Science, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Carla Zimerer
- Postgraduate Program in Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Telecommunications Laboratory, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Fernando Zanela Arêas
- Group of Study and Research in Neurorehabilitation and Neuromodulation, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program Physiological Sciences, Center of Health Science, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Physiotherapy Course at the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
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Nascimento Guimarães A, Beggiato Porto A, Junior Guidotti F, Soca Bazo N, Ugrinowitsch H, Hugo Alves Okazaki V. Effect of Transcranial direct current stimulation of the Primary motor Cortex and cerebellum on motor control and learning of geometric drawing tasks with varied cognitive demands. Brain Res 2024; 1828:148786. [PMID: 38266889 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Nascimento Guimarães
- State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Campus Universitário, Londrina, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Beggiato Porto
- State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Campus Universitário, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Flavio Junior Guidotti
- State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Campus Universitário, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Norberto Soca Bazo
- State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Campus Universitário, Londrina, Brazil; Licungo University, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Rua de Comandante Gaivão Extensão da Beira, Moçambique
| | - Herbert Ugrinowitsch
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Alves Okazaki
- State University of Londrina, Department of Physical Education, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Pr 445, Km 380, Campus Universitário, Londrina, Brazil
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Perrey S. The potential of fNIRS, EEG, and transcranial current stimulation to probe neural mechanisms of resistance training. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1295993. [PMID: 38098763 PMCID: PMC10720034 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1295993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Perrey
- EuroMov Digital Health in Motion, Univ Montpellier, IMT Mines Ales, Montpellier, France
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Marcos-Frutos D, López-Alonso V, Mera-González I, Sánchez-Molina JA, Colomer-Poveda D, Márquez G. Chronic Functional Adaptations Induced by the Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Exercise Programs: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6724. [PMID: 37959190 PMCID: PMC10649950 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present systematic review aimed to determine the chronic effects of the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and exercise on motor function and performance outcomes. We performed a systematic literature review in the databases MEDLINE and Web of Science. Only randomized control trials that measured the chronic effect of combining exercise (comprising gross motor tasks) with tDCS during at least five sessions and measured any type of motor function or performance outcome were included. A total of 22 interventions met the inclusion criteria. Only outcomes related to motor function or performance were collected. Studies were divided into three groups: (a) healthy population (n = 4), (b) neurological disorder population (n = 14), and (c) musculoskeletal disorder population (n = 4). The studies exhibited considerable variability in terms of tDCS protocols, exercise programs, and outcome measures. Chronic use of tDCS in combination with strength training does not enhance motor function in healthy adults. In neurological disorders, the results suggest no additive effect if the exercise program includes the movements pretending to be improved (i.e., tested). However, although evidence is scarce, tDCS may enhance exercise-induced adaptations in musculoskeletal conditions characterized by pain as a limiting factor of motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - David Colomer-Poveda
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, University of A Coruña, 15179 A Coruña, Spain; (D.M.-F.); (V.L.-A.); (I.M.-G.); (J.A.S.-M.)
| | - Gonzalo Márquez
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, University of A Coruña, 15179 A Coruña, Spain; (D.M.-F.); (V.L.-A.); (I.M.-G.); (J.A.S.-M.)
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6
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Marinus N, Van Hoornweder S, Aarts M, Vanbilsen J, Hansen D, Meesen R. The influence of a single transcranial direct current stimulation session on physical fitness in healthy subjects: a systematic review. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:31-47. [PMID: 36357590 PMCID: PMC9648891 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06494-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Physical fitness is of indisputable importance for both health, and sports. Currently, the brain is being increasingly recognized as a contributor to physical fitness. Hereby, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), as an ergogenic aid, has gained scientific interest. The current PRISMA-adherent review aimed to examine the effect of tDCS on the three core components of physical fitness: muscle strength, -endurance and cardiopulmonary endurance. Randomized controlled- or cross-over trials evaluating the effect of a single tDCS session (vs. sham) in healthy individuals were included. Hereby, a wide array of tDCS-related factors (e.g., tDCS montage and dose) was taken into account. Thirty-five studies (540 participants) were included. Between-study heterogeneity in factors such as age, activity level, tDCS protocol, and outcome measures was large. The capacity of tDCS to improve physical fitness varied substantially across studies. Nevertheless, muscle endurance was most susceptible to improvements following anodal tDCS (AtDCS), with 69% of studies (n = 11) investigating this core component of physical fitness reporting positive effects. The primary motor cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were targeted the most, with positive results being reported on muscle and cardiopulmonary endurance. Finally, online tDCS seemed most beneficial, and no clear relationship between tDCS and dose-related parameters seemed present. These findings can contribute to optimizing tDCS interventions during the rehabilitation of patients with a variety of (chronic) diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Therefore, future studies should focus on further unraveling the potential of AtDCS on physical fitness and, more specifically, muscle endurance in both healthy subjects and patients suffering from (chronic) diseases. This study was registered in Prospero with the registration number CRD42021258529. "To enable PROSPERO to focus on COVID-19 registrations during the 2020 pandemic, this registration record was automatically published exactly as submitted. The PROSPERO team has not checked eligibility".
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastasia Marinus
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium. .,Biomedical Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Sybren Van Hoornweder
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Marthe Aarts
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jessie Vanbilsen
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Dominique Hansen
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Biomedical Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Heart Centre Hasselt, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Raf Meesen
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
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Garcia-Sillero M, Chulvi-Medrano I, Maroto-Izquierdo S, Bonilla DA, Vargas-Molina S, Benítez-Porres J. Effects of Preceding Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Movement Velocity and EMG Signal during the Back Squat Exercise. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175220. [PMID: 36079150 PMCID: PMC9457333 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of preceding anodal transcranial direct stimulation (a-tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during the back squat exercise on movement velocity and surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity. Thirteen healthy, well-trained, male firefighters (34.72 ± 3.33 years; 178 ± 7.61 cm; 76.85 ± 11.21 kg; 26.8 ± 4.2 kg·m−2; back squat 1-repetition maximum 141.5 ± 16.3 kg) completed this randomised double-blinded sham-controlled crossover study. After familiarisation and basal measurements, participants attended the laboratory on two occasions separated by 72 h to receive either Sham or a-tDCS (current intensity of 2 mA for 20 min). Immediately after stimulation, participants completed three sets of 12 repetitions (70% of 1-RM) with three minutes of recovery between sets monitored with a linear position transducer. The sEMG of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) of both legs were recorded. No significant differences were observed between a-tDCS and Sham interventions on mean concentric velocity at any set (p > 0.05). Velocity loss and effort index were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in set 3 compared to set 1 only in the a-tDCS group. The right-leg RM and right-leg VL elicited the greatest muscle activation during set 1 after a-tDCS and Sham, respectively (p < 0.05). Our results revealed that a-tDCS over the DLPFC might impact movement velocity or fatigue tolerance in well-trained individuals. Notwithstanding, significant differences in dominant-leg muscle activity were found both in a-tDCS and Sham.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Garcia-Sillero
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, EADE-University of Wales Trinity Saint David, 29018 Málaga, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Iván Chulvi-Medrano
- Sport Performance and Physical Fitness Research Group (UIRFIDE), Department of Physical and Sports Education, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sergio Maroto-Izquierdo
- Department of Health Sciences, European University Miguel de Cervantes (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Diego A. Bonilla
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogotá 110311, Colombia
- Research Group in Physical Activity, Sports and Health Sciences (GICAFS), Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
- Sport Genomics Research Group, Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Salvador Vargas-Molina
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, EADE-University of Wales Trinity Saint David, 29018 Málaga, Spain
- Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, 29016 Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Benítez-Porres
- Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, 29016 Málaga, Spain
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Alix-Fages C, Garcia-Ramos A, Romero-Arenas S, Nadal GC, Jerez-Martínez A, Colomer-Poveda D, Márquez G. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Does Not Affect Sprint Performance or the Horizontal Force-Velocity Profile. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2022; 93:650-658. [PMID: 34735312 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2021.1893260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on sprint performance and the horizontal force-velocity (F-v) profile. Method: Thirty-two healthy subjects (25 men and 7 women; age = 21.8 ± 2.4 years) completed three sessions separated by 1 week following a double-blinded crossover design. Each session consisted of two maximal sprints of 30 meters that were performed after applying ANODAL, CATHODAL or SHAM tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for 15 minutes at 2 mA. The 30-m time and the horizontal F-v profile variables (theoretical maximal force [F0], theoretical maximal velocity, Fv slope, maximal power [Pmax], decrease in the ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force, and maximal ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force) were compared between the tDCS conditions. Results: No significant differences between the tDCS conditions were observed for any variable (p range = 0.061 to 0.842). The magnitude of the differences was negligible for most of the comparisons (effect size [ES] < 0.20) with the only exception of Pmax and F0 which were greater for the ANODAL compared to the SHAM condition (both ES = 0.20). Conclusions: The application of tDCS over the DLPFC is not effective to increase non-fatigued sprint performance.
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Liang Z, Zhou J, Jiao F, Gin T, Wang X, Liu Y, Lü J. Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Endurance Performance in Elite Female Rowers: A Pilot, Single-Blinded Study. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050541. [PMID: 35624927 PMCID: PMC9139125 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Endurance, which is dependent at least partly upon the activation of the brain cortex, is important for performance in rowing. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown benefits for endurance, but its effects on the endurance performance of elite rowing athletes are unknown, and are examined in this study. Eight elite female rowers completed 5 km of rowing on an ergometer following stimulation of the tDCS and sham over motor cortices. Each session lasted 20 min and the current was set at 2.2 mA. Time, 500 m/split, power, time corresponding to 500 m (TC500) and power corresponding to 500 m (PC500) were recorded continuously throughout the tests. No significant differences in time, 500 m/split and power were observed between baseline, tDCS and sham. Compared to the sham, tDCS induced a percentage reduction in TC500 from baseline to 2500 m and 4000 m, and a percentage increase in PC500 from baseline to 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 2000 m, 2500 m, 4000 m, 4500 m and 5000 m. One-session tDCS did not have significant benefits for rowing endurance performance in elite professional rowers, and had only marginally greater efficacy compared to sham. These findings offer knowledge helpful to the design of future studies exploring the effects of tDCS on the endurance performance of elite rowers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Liang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; (Z.L.); (F.J.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Junhong Zhou
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02131, USA;
- The Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew Senior Life, Roslindale, MA 02131, USA
| | - Fujia Jiao
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; (Z.L.); (F.J.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Trenton Gin
- College of Art and Science, Cornell University, New York, NY 14850, USA;
| | - Xi Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; (Z.L.); (F.J.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-021-66507356
| | - Jiaojiao Lü
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; (Z.L.); (F.J.); (X.W.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
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Alix-Fages C, Del Vecchio A, Baz-Valle E, Santos-Concejero J, Balsalobre-Fernández C. The role of the neural stimulus in regulating skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:1111-1128. [PMID: 35138447 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-04906-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Resistance training is frequently performed with the goal of stimulating muscle hypertrophy. Due to the key roles motor unit recruitment and mechanical tension play to induce muscle growth, when programming, the manipulation of the training variables is oriented to provoke the correct stimulus. Although it is known that the nervous system is responsible for the control of motor units and active muscle force, muscle hypertrophy researchers and trainers tend to only focus on the adaptations of the musculotendinous unit and not in the nervous system behaviour. To better guide resistance exercise prescription for muscle hypertrophy and aiming to delve into the mechanisms that maximize this goal, this review provides evidence-based considerations for possible effects of neural behaviour on muscle growth when programming resistance training, and future neurophysiological measurement that should be tested when training to increase muscle mass. Combined information from the neural and muscular structures will allow to understand the exact adaptations of the muscle in response to a given input (neural drive to the muscle). Changes at different levels of the nervous system will affect the control of motor units and mechanical forces during resistance training, thus impacting the potential hypertrophic adaptations. Additionally, this article addresses how neural adaptations and fatigue accumulation that occur when resistance training may influence the hypertrophic response and propose neurophysiological assessments that may improve our understanding of resistance training variables that impact on muscular adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alix-Fages
- Applied Biomechanics and Sport Technology Research Group, Autonomous University of Madrid, C/ Fco Tomas y Valiente 3, Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alessandro Del Vecchio
- Neuromuscular Physiology and Neural Interfacing Group, Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Eneko Baz-Valle
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Jordan Santos-Concejero
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Carlos Balsalobre-Fernández
- Applied Biomechanics and Sport Technology Research Group, Autonomous University of Madrid, C/ Fco Tomas y Valiente 3, Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
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11
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Lu P, Hanson NJ, Wen L, Guo F, Tian X. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Muscle Strength of Non-dominant Knee in Healthy Young Males. Front Physiol 2022; 12:788719. [PMID: 34987418 PMCID: PMC8721010 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.788719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been applied in training and competition, but its effects on physical performance remain largely unknown. This study aimed to observe the effect of tDCS on muscular strength and knee activation. Nineteen healthy young men were subjected to 20 min of real stimulation (2 mA) and sham stimulation (0 mA) over the primary motor cortex (M1) bilaterally on different days. The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the knee extensors and flexors, and surface electromyography (sEMG) of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) were recorded before, immediately after, and 30 min after stimulation. MVC, rate of force development (RFD), and sEMG activity were analyzed before and after each condition. MVC of the non-dominant leg extensor and flexor was significantly higher immediately after real stimulation and 30 min after stimulation than before, and MVC of the non-dominant leg flexor was significantly higher 30 min after real stimulation than that after sham stimulation (P < 0.05). The RFD of the non-dominant leg extensor and flexor immediately after real stimulation was significantly higher than before stimulation, and the RFD of the non-dominant leg extensor immediately after real stimulation and 30 min after stimulation was significantly higher than that of sham stimulation (P < 0.05). EMG analysis showed the root mean square amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) of the non-dominant BF and RF were significantly higher immediately after real stimulation and 30 min after stimulation than before stimulation, and the MPF of the non-dominant BF EMG was significantly higher 30 min after real stimulation than that after sham stimulation (P < 0.05). Bilateral tDCS of the M1 can significantly improve the muscle strength and explosive force of the non-dominant knee extensor and flexor, which might result from increased recruitment of motor units. This effect can last until 30 min after stimulation, but there is no significant effect on the dominant knee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Lu
- Department of Sports, Nanchang Institute of Technology, Nanchang, China
| | - Nicholas J Hanson
- Department of Human Performance and Health Education, College of Human Development and Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Lin Wen
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Feng Guo
- College of Human Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tian
- School of Physical Education, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
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