Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Simultaneous Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 27, 2014
Effects of anodic transcranial direct current stimulation combined with physical training on the performance of elite
Xipeng Yang1, Jinlong Wu2, Yucheng Tang1
1College of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
Objective:
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) has been used to improve athletic performance in various populations; however, its role in improving performance in elite athletes is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a-tDCS on athletic performance in elite athletes.
Methods:
We used a single-blind, randomized controlled experimental design and recruited 24 national-level freestyle swimmers from China. All athletes were randomly divided into two groups; the experimental group underwent a-tDCS (current 2 mA for 20 min) combined with physical training, and the control group underwent a-tDCS sham stimulation combined with physical training. The physical training program was identical in the experimental and control groups. The intervention period was 6 weeks, with five weekly sessions of 110 min each, consisting of 20 min of a-tDCS and 90 min of physical training. Base strength, explosive strength, aerobic endurance, and anaerobic endurance were measured in the athletes before and after the intervention.
Results:
The results were as follows. 1) Basic strength: There was a significant improvement in 5RM pull-ups in the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). 2) Explosive strength: There was a significant improvement in vertical jump and swimming start distance into the water in the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). 3) Aerobic endurance: There was no significant improvement in the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention. 4) Anaerobic endurance: There was a significant improvement in 400 m running performance in the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Compared to physical training alone, a-tDCS combined with physical training can better improve the athletic performance of high-level swimmers, especially in basic strength, explosive strength, and aerobic endurance.
More Related Videos
14:56The Combined Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Robotic Therapy for the Upper Limb
Published on: September 23, 2018
10:11Updated Technique for Reliable, Easy, and Tolerated Transcranial Electrical Stimulation Including Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Published on: January 3, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:04Social Facilitation
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes