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Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Machado, Daniel, Unal, Gozde, Andrade, Suellen, Moreira, Alexandre, Altimari, Leandro, Brunoni, André, Perrey, Stephane, Mauger, Alexis R., Bikson, Marom, Okano, Alexandre and others. (2018) Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Stimulation, 12 (3). pp. 593-605. ISSN 1935-861X. (doi:10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.227) (KAR id:71587)

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.227

Abstract

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used to improve exercise performance, though the protocols used, and results found are mixed.

Methods: A systematic search was performed on the following databases, until December 2017: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and SportDiscus. Full-text articles that used tDCS for exercise performance improvement in adults were included. We compared the effect of anodal (anode near nominal target) and cathodal (cathode near nominal target) tDCS to a sham/control condition on the outcome measure (performance in isometric, isokinetic or dynamic strength exercise and whole-body exercise).

Conclusion: For the protocols tested, a-tDCS but not c-tDCS vs. sham over M1 improved exercise performance in cycling only. However, this result was driven by a single study, which when removed was no longer significant. Further well-controlled studies with larger sample sizes and broader exploration of the tDCS montages and doses are warranted.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.227
Uncontrolled keywords: Athletic performance, Sports performance, Meta-analysis, Non-invasive brain stimulation, Fatigue, Neuromodulation
Subjects: Q Science > QP Physiology (Living systems)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
Depositing User: Lex Mauger
Date Deposited: 10 Jan 2019 14:38 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2021 14:01 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/71587 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)
Mauger, Alexis R.: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6685-5800
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