Aim: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is one of the newest methods in order to improve the athletic performance and mental preparation of professional athletes. In this study, we investigated the effects of 10-session unihemispheric concurrent dual-site anodal-tDCS (a-tDCS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), on swimming performance, mental toughness (MT) and perceived exertion.
Methods: 20 male professional swimmers (Age: 19.00±2.86 yrs) were randomly divided into tDCS (n=10) and sham (n=10) groups. On the first day, the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), next day, the 100-meter freestyle swimming performance test, and the rate of perceived exertion scale (RPE) were evaluated as pre-tests. From the third day, 10 sessions of tDCS were applied, each session a current of 2mA for 20 min, half an hour after the usual swimming exercise, three days a week. 48 hrs following 10th session of tDCS, evaluations were repeated. ANCOVA was used for statistical analysis.
Result: After 10 sessions of tDCS, swimming performance improved significantly; The total MT score increased significantly and no significant change was observed in RPE.
Conclusion: Based on this, multi-session tDCS combined with regular training is recommended to improve swimmers performance and psychological aspects that could be considered as a brain conditioning method to increase mental toughness and sports performance.
