Moscatelli F, Monda V, Limone P, Marsala G, Mancini N, Monda M, Messina A, De Maria A, Scarinci A, Monda A, Polito R, Messina G. Acute non invasive brain stimulation improves performances in volleyball players.
Physiol Behav 2023;
271:114356. [PMID:
37769861 DOI:
10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114356]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The ability to redirect one's attention in response to various environmental situations is a crucial aspect of selective attention in team sports. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in volleyball players can improve Posner test response and cortical excitability. This study had a double-blinded (participant and evaluator) matched-pair experimental design.
METHODS
Twenty right-handed female volleyball players were recruited for the study and randomly assigned to either the active rTMS group (n = 10) or the sham stimulation group (n = 10). The stimulation was performed in one session with 10 Hz, 80% of the resting motor threshold (RMT), 5 s of stimulation, and 15 s of rest, for a total of 1,500 pulses. Before and after stimulation, the Posner test and cortical excitability were evaluated.
RESULTS
The significant finding of this paper was that 10 Hz rTMS to the DLPFC seemed to improve Posner test response, and also resulted in a significantly decreased RMT and MEP latency of the ipsilateral motor cortex. After stimulation, the active group showed a significant decrease in the percentage of errors in the Posner test. Moreover, active group showed faster RT after rTMS, suggesting that HF stimulation could enhance performance. Additionally, significant differences in RMT emerged in the active rTMS group after stimulation, while no differences were observed in MEP latency and MEP amplitude.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we believe that these results may be of great interest to the scientific community and could have practical implications in the future.
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