Influence of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Lower Limb Muscle Activation and Balance Ability in Soccer Player

Abstract

This study is to investigate influence of tDCS on lower limb muscle activity and balance ability in soccer player. Methods: Sessions were conducted with 15 subjects in tDCS group and 15 in action observation training group for 20 minutes, 5 sessions a week, for 8 weeks. All soccer players underwent 30 minutes of plyometric training before main exercise. To evaluate lower limb muscle activation, rectus femoris and biceps femoris were taken measure using surface electromyogram system and to evaluate balance ability, surface area, whole path length, limited of stability were measured using biorescue. Results: Regarding balance shown in surface area, whole path length, limited of stability and muscle activation in rectus femoris and biceps femoris, tDCS group showed more significant change than action bservation training group. Conclusion: Therefore, intervention using tDCS is more effective in improving lower limb muscle activation and balance ability than action observation training.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Muscle Strength of Non-dominant Knee in Healthy Young Males

“…In the study of Kan et al, electrodes were placed in unilateral cerebral motor areas (right M1), while bilateral tDCS over M1 was used in this study. Recent studies have been reported that tDCS at bilateral brain motor areas could elevate muscle power in the lower limb ( Yang et al, 2018 ; Huang et al, 2019 ). Yang et al (2018) found that the group receiving 2 mA of stimulation for 20 min targeting the motor cortex bilaterally of tDCS with Halo Sport device was more effective in improving balance ability and muscle activation of the RF and BF than action observation training group.…”

“…Recent studies have been reported that tDCS at bilateral brain motor areas could elevate muscle power in the lower limb ( Yang et al, 2018 ; Huang et al, 2019 ). Yang et al (2018) found that the group receiving 2 mA of stimulation for 20 min targeting the motor cortex bilaterally of tDCS with Halo Sport device was more effective in improving balance ability and muscle activation of the RF and BF than action observation training group. Huang et al (2019) also observed a performance benefit from the Halo Sport, specifically improving repeated sprint cycling power output.…”

“…Previous studies have shown that among lower limb muscles, the RF plays a critical role in deceleration and extension, whereas the BF assists the flexion and overall action of the knee joint. The synergy of both muscle groups helps to maintain the balance of internal and external pressure within the knee joint ( Yang et al, 2018 ). Experimental testing consisted of a real tDCS or sham stimulation for 20 min under resting state, the order of which was randomized.…”

“…The size of the electrodes affixed to the scalp was 28 cm 2 (6.4 cm × 4.4 cm). Referring to the research of Yang et al (2018) and Codella et al (2020) , the primers were positioned over the center, left, and right leg regions of M1, crossing the vertex of the head. The anode was located at Cz ( Jurcak et al, 2007 ), and the cathodes were approximately located at C5 and C6, therefore bilaterally stimulating the motor cortex ( Figure 1 ).…”

“… The experimental setup for tDCS (Halo Sport) and the placement of the electrodes ( Yang et al, 2018 ; Codella et al, 2020 ). …”