Effects of anodic transcranial direct current stimulation combined with physical training on the performance of elite swimmers.

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.