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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Non-Invasive Electrical Brain Stimulation Montages for Modulation of Human Motor Function
Published on: February 4, 2016
Six weeks of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with resistance training improves motor learning in
Tian Yue1, Jingyi Zhang1, Zhipeng Zuo1
1Sports, Exercise and Brain Sciences Laboratory, Sports Coaching College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China.
Objective:
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and resistance training are widely reported to modulate neuroplasticity. However, their combined effects on motor learning remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 3 and 6 weeks of tDCS combined with lower-limb resistance training on motor learning in healthy young adults, as well as the persistence of any observed benefits.
Methods:
Fifty-two healthy young adult males were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) tDCS combined with resistance training, (2) sham tDCS combined with resistance training, (3) tDCS alone, or (4) sham tDCS (CON). Interventions were conducted twice weekly for 6 weeks. tDCS was applied over the primary motor cortex at 2 mA for 20 min per session. Motor learning was assessed using the serial reaction time task (SRTT) at baseline (T0), after 3 (T1) and 6 weeks of intervention (T2), and 1week post-intervention (T3).
Results:
At T1, both the combined groups exhibited faster reaction times (RTs) across multiple blocks compared to tDCS-alone and CON groups (all p values ≤ 0.047). The tDCS combined resistance training group at T2 showed significant improvements in motor learning compared to the sham tDCS combined with resistance training(p = 0.040) and CON groups (p = 0.027), but no improvements at T1 and T3 compared to other groups (all p values ≥ 0.054). Neither tDCS alone nor sham tDCS combined with resistance training improved sequence-specific learning compared to CON at any time point (all p values ≥ 0.158).
Conclusion:
Six weeks of tDCS combined with resistance training enhanced motor learning in healthy young adults. However, these improvements diminished after training cessation.
Clinical Trial Registration No:
NCT07092098.
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