Acute Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with High-Load Resistance Exercises on Repetitive Vertical Jump Performance and EEG Characteristics in Healthy Men.

BACKGROUND

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique known to enhance athletic performance metrics such as vertical jump and lower limb strength. However, it remains unclear whether combining tDCS with the post-activation effects of high-load resistance training can further improve lower limb performance.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the synergistic effects of tDCS and high-load resistance training, using electroencephalography to explore changes in the motor cortex and vertical jump dynamics.

METHODS

Four experiments were conducted involving 29 participants. Each experiment included tDCS, high-load resistance training, tDCS combined with high-load resistance training, and a control condition. During the tDCS session, participants received 20 min of central stimulation using a Halo Sport 2 headset, while the high-load resistance training session comprised five repetitions of a 90% one-repetition maximum weighted half squat. No intervention was administered in the control group. Electroencephalography tests were conducted before and after each intervention, along with the vertical jump test.

RESULTS

The combination of tDCS and high-load resistance training significantly increased jump height ( < 0.05) compared to tDCS or high-load resistance training alone. As for electroencephalography power, tDCS combined with high-load resistance training significantly impacted the percentage of α-wave power in the frontal lobe area (F3) of the left hemisphere (F = 6.33, < 0.05). In the temporal lobe area (T3) of the left hemisphere, tDCS combined with high-load resistance training showed a significant interaction effect (F = 6.33, < 0.05). For β-wave power, tDCS showed a significant main effect in the frontal pole area (Fp1) of the left hemisphere (F = 17.65, < 0.01). In the frontal lobe area (F3) of the left hemisphere, tDCS combined with high-load resistance training showed a significant interaction effect (F = 7.53, < 0.05). The tDCS combined with high-load resistance training intervention also resulted in higher β-wave power in the parietal lobe area (P4) and the temporal lobe area (T4) ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and high-load resistance training significantly enhances vertical jump performance compared to either intervention alone. This improvement is associated with changes in the α-wave and β-wave power in specific brain regions, such as the frontal and temporal lobes. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms and long-term effects of this combined intervention.