Enhancing golf swing performance through M1-targeted transcranial direct current stimulation: a double-blind,...

This study investigated whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the primary motor cortex (M1) can induce acute enhancements on golf swing performance, particularly in tasks requiring long-driving distance capacity and accuracy control.

Eight professional golfers participated in a double-blind, randomized, crossover trial consisting of two conditions: active tDCS (A-tDCS) and sham tDCS (S-tDCS). Stimulation was applied over the left M1 for 20 min. Participants performed 10 swings each for three tasks (driver, iron, and wedge) both pre- and post-intervention. Performance metrics included long-driving distance variables (clubhead speed, ball speed, carry distance) and accuracy-related variables (face angle, side distance, and spatial error Data were analyzed using 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVAs, with post hoc t-tests and effect sizes (Hedge's g) where significant interactions were found.

Significant Time × Condition interactions indicated that A-tDCS improved carry distance and ball speed in iron tasks and carry distance in driver task (p < .05), with large effect sizes (g > 0.8). Side deviation also decreased significantly under A-tDCS in the iron task, indicating enhanced accuracy. No stimulation-specific effects were observed for the wedge task.

M1-targeted A-tDCS can acutely enhance golf swing long-driving distance capacity and accuracy in tasks requiring substantial force output. This technique is promising as a performance-enhancing tool for golfers, offering a low-fatigue alternative to traditional high-intensity training.