A estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua aplicada de forma aguda otimiza o desempenho em corredores amadores de 5000 metros

Abstract

The benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on brain function, cognitive response and motor capacity have been described in the scientific literature. However, the acute effect of tDCS on athletic performance has not yet been established, and there are strong indications that neuromodulation influences the individual's cortical excitability. With this in mind, the aim of the present study was to compare the acute effect of tDCS on athletes' 5000- meter (m) running performance. Eighteen athletes were randomized into the Anodal (n=9, 29±7 years, 63±8 Kg) and Sham (n=9, 25±4 years, 67±12 Kg) groups. Total running time (t), speed (m/s), perceived exertion (RPE), internal load and peak torque (Pt) were assessed. The running time and speed of the anodal group were lower compared to the Sham group (p = 0.02; 95% CI 0.11 - 2.32; d=1.24) and (p=0.02, 95% CI 0.05 - 2.20; d=1.15) respectively. However, no difference was found in Pt (p = 0.70; 95% CI -0.75 - 1.11; d = 0.18), RPE (p = 0.23 95% CI - 1.55 - 0.39; d = 0.60) and internal load (p = 0.73; 95% CI -0.77 - 1.09; d = 0.17). Our data indicated that tDCS can acutely optimize the time and speed of 5000m runners.