Abstract

ALVES-LOBAO, Thais et al. The effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on psychomotor performance of athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Motri. [online]. 2022, vol.18, n.3, pp.458-466.  Epub Sep 30, 2022. ISSN 1646-107X.  https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.26513.

Psychomotor performance is a complex function generated by brain and motor systems integration, measured by accuracy, latency, and movement speed. In sports, looking for ways to improve movements is usual. Also, utilising Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as a non-invasive stimulation technique may produce alterations in psychomotor sports skills. We conducted a systematic review, including experimental studies with sham or control groups in adults reporting tDCS effects on athletes’ psychomotor performance. Cochrane Manual for Systematic Reviews and the statement on systematic reviews and meta-analysis of PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols) were followed. PsycINFO, PubMed (central), Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Empirical studies published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese from 2009 onwards and whose primary results presented an effective measure of transcranial direct current stimulation in the psychomotor performance of adult athletes were included. The results list 10 articles, 6 of them entered in the meta-analyses. The articles presented a low risk of bias and low publication bias but great dispersion of stimulation areas.

Keywords : psychomotor performance; sports; tDCS; neuromodulation.

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