Author(s): AMIRI, E., SEIFY, Z., TADIBI, V., ABOODARDA, S.J., GRUBER, M., Institution: RAZI UNIVERSITY, Country: IRAN, Abstract-ID: 2156

INTRODUCTION:
According to the psychobiological model of fatigue, sport performance is centrally regulated through interactions between higher-order cognitive regions, particularly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and motor areas such as the primary motor cortex (M1), integrating sensory feedback and modulating exercise performance via perceptual processes [1]. Consequently, neuromodulation techniques targeting these regions have gained attention as potential ergogenic strategies. While transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown promising effects [2], transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) has recently emerged as a novel approach with greater efficacy and fewer side effects [3]. Moreover, dual-site M1–DLPFC stimulation has been proposed based on the functional interaction between cognitive and motor systems. However, evidence regarding their effects during submaximal isotonic contractions, particularly in women, remains limited.
METHODS:
Fifteen resistance-trained women participated in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled crossover study. Participants completed three experimental sessions separated by one week: (1) dual-site anodal tDCS (M1–DLPFC), (2) dual-site tPCS, and (3) sham stimulation. Following 20 minutes of stimulation, participants performed three sets of leg press at 50% of one-repetition maximum to volitional failure. Muscular performance (repetitions), perceived exertion (RPE), pain, pleasure, arousal, heart rate, and cognitive performance (choice reaction time and inhibitory control) were assessed.
RESULTS:
Muscular pain increased and pleasure decreased from set one to set three in all conditions (p<0.05). However, in the third set, pain was significantly lower and pleasure significantly higher in both tDCS and tPCS compared with sham (p<0.05). Choice reaction time significantly improved following exercise only in the tDCS condition (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in repetitions to failure, RPE, heart rate, arousal, or inhibitory control.
CONCLUSION:
Dual-site M1–DLPFC stimulation modulated perceptual responses during submaximal isotonic contractions without affecting muscular performance, with no differences between direct and pulsed current stimulation. These findings suggest that neuroergogenic effects in resistance-trained women may primarily reflect central perceptual–cognitive modulation rather than enhanced force output.
References
1. Pageaux, B., The psychobiological model of endurance performance: an effort-based decision-making theory to explain self-paced endurance performance. Sports Med, 2014. 44(9): p. 1319-20.
2. Jiang, M., Y. Liu, and X. Gao, Meta-analysis of the acute effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on athletic performance. Frontiers in Physiology, 2025. Volume 16 - 2025.
3. Jaberzadeh, S., A. Bastani, and M. Zoghi, Anodal transcranial pulsed current stimulation: A novel technique to enhance corticospinal excitability. Clinical Neurophysiology, 2014. 125(2): p. 344-351.