Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Effects on Athletes’ Cognitive Performance: An Exploratory Proof of Concept Trial

Abstract

Among the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games’ unforgettable moments, one could not overlook performances by Phelps and Bolt, which challenge old premises about the maximum extension of individual supremacism in ultracompetitive modalities and the doping scandals. Different media channels resonated these two trends, with an unseen rise on discussions about traits and practices that may set ultrahigh performance athletes apart from the more ordinary ones. Yet, some key issues remain undebated. This paper aims to add to this debate, with a proof of concept trial, which investigates whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may serve as an aid for professional athletes. Ten professional athletes of three different modalities (judo, N = 4 athletes, swimming, N = 3 athletes, and rhythmic gymnastics, N = 3 athletes) received anodal stimulation (2 mA) for 20 min on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for ten consecutive weekdays. We observed a positive effect of tDCS in their cognitive performance, including a significant improvement in alternated, sustained, and divided attention and in memory scores. We also observed a decrease in Beck Depression Inventory scores (4.50 points) in this non-clinical population. These preliminary results suggest that tDCS sessions may translate into competitive advantages for professional athletes and recommend the deepening of the discussion on its ethical use in sports, which is ultimately tied to the wider debate around the risks and opportunities that neuromodulation brings to the table.

Mental health in elite athletes: International Olympic Committee consensus statement (2019)

“…Elite athletes may also use substances for relief of stress, negative emotions, pain, cravings and withdrawal 345 424. Athletes may use ergogenic substances,425 doping methods such as gene doping426 427 and blood transfusions,428 and neuromodulation (eg, transcranial stimulation) 429 430. Further, athletes may unwittingly ingest ergogenic substances by taking dietary substances that contain adulterants 431.…”

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left prefrontal cortex does not affect time-trial self-paced cycling performance: Evidence from oscillatory brain activity and power output

“…This improvement was not accompanied by a reduction in the RPE. Meanwhile, Borducchi et al [14] found an improvement in cognitive performance and mood in elite athletes of different sport modalities (n = 10) after ten days of anodal stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which, according the authors, may contribute to performance gains, greater well-being and faster recovery. However, due to the lack of a control condition (Borducchi et al) and small sample sizes in their studies (like in almost every previous study on tDCS and sport performance), the above results should be considered with caution.…”

Transcending the brain: is there a cost to hacking the nervous system?

“…With the brain being the central organ to many features that individuals would like to improve, neuroenhancement would attract a lot of interest. Sports players can use it to gain an advantage over other competitors; students will be able to use it to perform better in tests; and the military can use it to gain an advantage over other countries ( Fregni et al , 2005 ; Borducchi et al , 2016 ). Alternatively, an argument can be made for professionals such as doctors who work in high-pressure environments to have access to this technology.…”