The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Basketball Performance-A Scoping Review.

Journal: Journal of clinical medicine
Published Date:

Abstract

: Basketball performance requires not only intermittent high-intensity movements-such as sprinting, jumping, and rapid directional changes-but also rapid decision-making under cognitive and psychological stress. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a potential modality to enhance both physical and mental performance due to its capacity to modulate cortical excitability and promote synaptic plasticity. Although the broader literature suggests that tDCS can benefit motor performance and endurance across various sports, its specific impact on basketball remains underexplored. : This scoping review aimed to summarize current evidence on the effects of tDCS in basketball. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane, identifying studies published between January 2008 and February 2025. Only clinical trials investigating tDCS interventions in basketball players were included. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized narratively, with a focus on stimulation parameters (site, duration, intensity) and performance outcomes (shooting accuracy, dribbling, sprinting, decision-making, fatigue). : The reviewed studies indicated that tDCS-particularly when applied over the motor cortex-was associated with moderate improvements in shooting accuracy, dribbling time, repeated-sprint performance, and decision-making under fatigue. Some studies reported delayed rather than immediate benefits, suggesting that tDCS may prime neural networks for enhanced learning and retention. However, not all findings were consistent; certain interventions produced minimal or no significant effects, especially regarding subjective mental fatigue and cognitive workload. The variability in electrode placements and stimulation protocols highlights the need for methodological standardization. : Current evidence partially supports the potential of tDCS to improve specific performance domains in basketball, particularly in skill acquisition, neuromuscular efficiency, and decision-making. Nevertheless, the findings are limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, and a lack of long-term follow-up. Future research should prioritize larger, multisite studies with standardized tDCS parameters and ecologically valid outcome measures to confirm the efficacy and practical relevance of tDCS in competitive basketball settings.

Authors

  • James Chmiel
    Faculty of Physical Culture and Health, Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, University of Szczecin, Al. Piastów 40B blok 6, 71-065 Szczecin, Poland.
  • Rafał Buryta
    Faculty of Physical Culture and Health, Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, University of Szczecin, Al. Piastów 40B blok 6, 71-065 Szczecin, Poland.

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