Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Capacity to Perform Burpees

Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia20 enrolled

Overview

Introduction and Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a potential intervention to improve physical performance. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of tDCS applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on performance in a maximal effort task, specifically the No Jump Burpee exercise. Study Design: This study will utilize a double-blind crossover design, where each subject will complete three experimental conditions: a-DLPFC, a-M1, and SHAM. Participants: Twenty healthy male subjects will be recruited for the study. Intervention: Each participant will undergo three conditions in a randomized order: a-DLPFC: tDCS applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. a-M1: tDCS applied to the primary motor cortex. SHAM: Placebo stimulation. Procedure: Prior to performing the No Jump Burpee exercise to exhaustion, tDCS will be administered at a current of 2 milliampere (mA) for 20 minutes. Measurements: The following variables will be measured during the exercise: Total number of repetitions of the No Jump Burpee exercise. Vastus lateralis muscle oxygen saturation. Heart rate. Subjective perception of exertion (RPE). Data Analysis: Repeated measures ANOVAs will be used to analyze the effects of the different tDCS conditions on the performance outcomes. Ethical Considerations: The study protocol will be reviewed and approved by an appropriate ethics committee. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before participation in the study. Objectives: The primary objective is to evaluate the impact of tDCS on physical performance, specifically measuring the total number of repetitions of the No Jump Burpee exercise. Secondary objectives include assessing the changes in muscle oxygen saturation, heart rate, and subjective perception of exertion.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Interventions

tDCS targeting DLPFCDEVICE

The anodic electrode will be placed on the left DLPFC (area F3) and the cathode on the right orbitofrontal cortex (area Fp2). Participants will receive 20 minutes of tDCS at 2 mA while seated.

tDCS targeting M1DEVICE

The anodes will be placed over C3 and C4 (according to EEG 10-20 system), and the cathodes over the ipsilateral shoulders. Participants will receive 20 minutes of tDCS at 2 mA while seated.

SHAM tDCSDEVICE

The electrodes will be placed as in the other conditions, but the stimulation will be switched off after 30 seconds, providing an initial stinging sensation without continuous stimulation.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 35 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy subject. * No use of any ergogenic substance. * Participants must be recreationally active, defined as engaging in moderate physical activity at least 3 times per week for the past 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Any contraindications to transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, such as metallic implants in the head, active implanted medical devices (e.g., pacemakers), or skin conditions affecting the scalp. * Current or recent (within the past 6 months) substance abuse, including alcohol or recreational drugs. * Musculoskeletal injury within the past 6 weeks. * Lower extremity pain above 3 or more according to numeric pain scale. * History of epilepsy or convulsive crisis.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Number of "No Jump Burpees" to Exhaustion

The primary objective of the study is to measure the number of repetitions of the "No Jump Burpee" exercise that participants can perform until exhaustion. This exercise is performed at a cadence of 20 burpees per minute, and exhaustion is determined when the participant can no longer maintain the correct pace or technique.

Time frame: Measured immediately at the end of each experimental session (DLPFC, M1, SHAM), approximately 5-10 minutes after the start of the test..

Secondary Outcomes

Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

Assessment of perceived exertion using the Borg CR10 scale, measured every 20 seconds during exercise.

Time frame: Measured every 20 seconds during exercise, from the start until the participant reaches exhaustion, approximately 5-15 minutes per session.

Muscle Oxygen Saturation in the Vastus Lateralis

Continuous measurement of muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) using a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device.

Time frame: Measured continuously at a frequency of 1 Hz during the exercise, from the start until the participant reaches exhaustion, approximately 5-15 minutes per session.

Heart Rate During Exercise

Continuous measurement of heart rate during the performance of the "No Jump Burpee" exercise until exhaustion.

Time frame: Measured continuously on a beat-by-beat basis during the exercise, from the start until the participant reaches exhaustion, approximately 5-15 minutes per session.