Can anodal tDCS of the motor cortex affect exercise performance of the ipsilateral or contralateral knee extensors?

Savoury, Ryan Bruce (2021) Can anodal tDCS of the motor cortex affect exercise performance of the ipsilateral or contralateral knee extensors? Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has risen in popularity over the past two decades, in part due to research suggesting it can be used to provide muscular performance improvements; namely increased maximal voluntary force production and reduced fatigue. While substantial conflict in the literature exists as to whether tDCS is truly an effective ergogenic aid, studies almost exclusively examine performance in muscles contralateral to the stimulated cortical area. This leaves a substantial gap in understanding about how muscles ipsilateral to the stimulated site are affected. Additionally, with most participants involved in studies utilizing tDCS being male, and no studies directly comparing the effects between sexes, the viability of tDCS to increase exercise performance for female participants is not well understood.

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