The effect of direct transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS) in the DLPFC area on performance and visual attention of sitting volleyball players under stressor

The difference between the performances of Sports Champions more than other times relates to their mental fitness and one of the important factors affecting mental fitness, physical fitness and even performance is Stressor conditions. Given that tDCS provides potential tools for enhancing performance in many areas, there is limited exploration for complex skills.

The aim of this study was evaluate the effect of direct transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS) in the DLPFC area on performance and visual attention of sitting volleyball players under Stressor.

In this blind randomized control trial with pre-test-post-test research plan and follow-up period of 2, 4 and 6 days, 24 athletes of the Premier League and national sitting volleyball team of the country were selected as a voluntary participation, and they randomly located in 2 groups of TDCS in the DLPFC region and sham stimulation. The task of the current study was the test of the modified Volleyball Service, in which the participants performed 10 attempts in the pre-test, which visual attention were recorded using the eye tracking device. The intervention phase was performed on 6 consecutive days, in which the participants performed 10 volleyball services every day after the desired exercises. Post-test phase was performed immediately after the intervention. 48 hours after the post-test phase, the first retention phase, 48 hours after the first retention phase, the pressure test phase and 48 hours after the pressure test phase, the second retention phase which was performed in which the participants performed 10 attempts in the pre-test, which visual attention were recorded using the eye tracking device.

The results of mixed variance showed that tDCS exercises in DLPFC area have a significant effect on improving service accuracy under normal conditions and pressure test (P<0/01). It also showed that tDCS exercises in DLPFC area have a significant effect on increasing participants' visual attention under normal conditions and pressure testing (P<0/01).

In general, the results of the current study emphasize the importance of tDCS in the DLPFC area in improving performance and visual attention and maintaining performance and visual attention in stressful conditions.