3D Analysis of the Effects of tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) on a Functional Task in High Level Athletes

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
Relatively high level athletes will undergo 2 randomized, cross-over counterbalanced sessions of bi-anodal tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) or sham tDCS The primary outcome is a 3D evaluation coupled with EMG (Electromyography) of their primary lower limb muscles after each session

Detailed Description
-----------------
Recruitment : Relatively high level athletes will be recruited through social media and advertisements. Each subject came twice to the Liege University Hospitals' Human Movement Analysis Laboratory. After placing the different infrared emitters and placing and calibrating the surface EMG electrodes, subjects underwent 3 maximal squat jumps (without upper limb implication). They were then familiarized with the fatigue protocol (8 jumps at a 33 jumps per minute pace). Then each subject received either bi-anodal tDCS of sham tDCS. Neither the evaluator or the subject knew which they were receiving. Immediately following tDCS, subjects underwent another warmup 3 maximal squat jumps, and then the fatigue protocol (comprised of 30 maximal jumps at a rate of 33 per minute).

Official Title
-----------------
3D Analysis of the Effects of tDCS on a Functional Task in High Level Athletes

Conditions
-----------------
Healthy, Athlete

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Device: tDCS


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: At least 10 hours of sport a week Right handed and footed Exclusion Criteria: One on the TSST (in high and relatively high risk sections) Previous neurological or orthopedic pathologies affecting limbs

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Health Services Research
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Randomized, triple-blind, sham-controlled, crossover
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Bi-Anodal tDCS<br>Subjects will receive 20 min of bi-anodal tDCS | Device: tDCS<br>* 20 minutes of anodal tDCS (C3 & C4/FPZ) 2mA or sham<br>* Other names: Non invasive brain stimulation;|
| Sham Comparator: Sham tDCS<br>Subjects will receive 20 minutes of Sham anodal tDCS | Device: tDCS<br>* 20 minutes of anodal tDCS (C3 & C4/FPZ) 2mA or sham<br>* Other names: Non invasive brain stimulation;|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Peak Height | Peak height (measured by the 3D device) is measured after each of the 30 repetitions as well as after the 3 jumps before and after tDCS. Height decrease will also be looked at | Changes between Prior and Immediately Following tDCS and Sham | 
| Gluteal EMG (Electromyography) recordings (% of maximal EMG value) | Bilateral Gluteal EMG | Changes between Prior and Immediately Following tDCS and Sham | 
| Quadriceps EMG (Electromyography) recordings (% of maximal EMG value) | Bilateral Quadriceps EMG triceps surae will be measured | Changes between Prior and Immediately Following tDCS and Sham | 
| Triceps EMG (Electromyography) recordings (% of maximal EMG value) | Bilateral Triceps Surae EMG | Changes between Prior and Immediately Following tDCS and Sham | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
3D, tDCS, Athlete, Endurance, Fatigue