Abstract - Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improves handgrip performance in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu elite male athletes
Background. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a high-intensity martial art whose primary goal is to submit your opponent using joint locks or chokeholds. Investigating different strategies to improve muscular strength and endurance is of primary concern for BJJ practitioners. In the past, Anodic transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been shown to improve physical performance.
Problem and aim. However, the effects of tDCS on isometric contraction in BJJ athletes are not known. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the acute effect of tDCS on handgrip strength in elite BJJ athletes.
Material and methods. Ten male BJJ athletes aged 25.5 ± 5.7 years were recruited. Participants completed two experimental conditions (a-tDCS and sham) with an interval of 48 to 72 hours in a randomized manner between sections. Stimulation was applied over the DLPFC (2mA intensity/20 minutes). Immediately after stimulation or sham, participants performed a handgrip MVC test and then sustained a submaximal force to failure at 60% of their MVC. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected at the end of the test.
Results. No significant difference was found between a-tDCS and sham conditions for MVC. Time to task failure in the a-tDCS group was statistically higher compared to the sham group. No significant difference was found between a-tDCS and sham groups for RPE.
Conclusions. The a-tDCS promoted performance improvement, increasing the time to task failure in a constant handgrip force task with load at 60% of the maximum.