Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Biomechanical Characteristics during Countermovement Jump

Objective: To investigate the effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation(t DCS) on Countermovement Jump(CMJ)performance according to the changes of instantaneous and temporal characteristics during CMJ before and after t DCS. Methods:With a random and crossover experimental design, fifteen jumpers(national second-level athlete) received either Anodal t DCS(At DCS)(2 m A, 20 minutes) or Sham t DCS(S-t DCS) stimulation. Subjects completed CMJ tests before and after stimulation immediately(post-0) and 30 minutes(post-30). Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures(condition×time) were performed for all the variables. Results: 1) Instantaneous characteristics: The CMJ height at post-0 and post-30 were significantly higher than that of pre-stimulation. The ground reaction force at the lowest of the center of mass(COM) was increased significantly after A-t DCS(post-0 and post-30). The peak propulsion power was larger than that of pre-stimulation after A-t DCS, and there was a significant difference between A-t DCS and S-t DCS after stimulation(post-0 and post-30)(P<0.05). For A-t DCS(post-0), rate of force development and leg stiffness were increased significantly than pre-stimulation. 2) Temporal characteristics: The vertical impulse at post-0 and post-30 were significantly higher than that of pre-stimulation in A-t DCS. For A-t DCS, the energy returned and active work done by muscle were increased significantly at post-0 than pre-stimulation(P<0.05). Conclusion: It is showed that the Anodal t DCS could enhance sports performance during CMJ. The t DCS shows positive effects on both instantaneous and temporal characteristics, which result in an improvement in explosive capacity and neuromuscular performance.