Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation With Caffeine Intake on Muscular Strength and Perceived Exertion

Lattari, E, Vieira, LAF, Oliveira, BRR, Unal, G, Bikson, M, de Mello Pedreiro, RC, Marques Neto, SR, Machado, S, and Maranhão-Neto, GA. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation with caffeine intake on muscular strength and perceived exertion. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1237–1243, 2019—The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) associated with caffeine intake on muscular strength and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Fifteen healthy young males recreationally trained (age: 25.3 ± 3.2 years, body mass: 78.0 ± 6.9 kg, height: 174.1 ± 6.1 cm) were recruited. The experimental conditions started with the administration of caffeine (Caff) or placebo (Pla) 1 hour before starting the anodal tDCS (a-tDCS or sham). There was an intake of 5 mg·kg−1 of Caff or 5 mg·kg−1 of Pla. After the intake, a-tDCS or sham was applied in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with intensity of 2 mA and 20 minutes of duration. The experimental conditions were defined as Sham + Pla, a-tDCS + Pla, Sham + Caff, and a-tDCS + Caff. After the conditions, muscular strength and RPE were verified. Muscular strength was determined by volume load performed in bench press exercise. Muscular strength in Sham + Pla condition was lower compared with all others conditions (p
Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Original Research Source Type: research