Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation does not affect the 100-meter event performance in sprinters

Background: During the 100-m event, the maximal sprint velocity and the mean power output developed over 100 m strongly relate to 100-m performance. In this sense, the anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may positively affect sprint velocity and power output. Thus, this study analyzed the effects of tDCS on sprint performance in sprinting athletes. Methods: Eight sprinters completed a doubleblind crossover design: anodal tDCS and sham conditions. The stimulus was applied over the motor cortex (MC) for 20 minutes using a 2mA current intensity in the anodal tDCS condition. Immediately after tDCS sessions, sprinters performed the one maximum field 100-m performance. The mean velocity was measured between 40 and 70 meters [40-70m], and the time during the 100-m event. Results: The results did not reveal significant differences between conditions for the mean velocity at 40-70 m (P = 0.37) and time during the 100-m event (P = 0.47). During the 100-m event, two sprinters in the sham and two more sprints in the anodal tDCS showed a lower time reached than baseline. Conclusion: Anodal tDCS does not affect professional sprinters' sprinting performance. Furthermore, individual responses do not support a possible beneficial effect of anodal tDCS across all sprinters, only in some athletes.