Advances in non-invasive brain stimulation: enhancing sports performance function and insights into exercise science.
Authors: Qi S, Yu J, Li L, Dong C, Ji Z, Cao L, Wei Z, Liang Z
The cerebral cortex, as the pinnacle of human complexity, poses formidable challenges to contemporary neuroscience. Recent advancements in non-invasive brain stimulation have been pivotal in enhancing human locomotor functions, a burgeoning area of interest in exercise science. Techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation are widely recognized for their neuromodulator capabilities. Despite their broad applications, these methods are not without limitations, notably in spatial and temporal resolution and their inability to target deep brain structures effectively. The advent of innovative non-invasive brain stimulation modalities, including transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation and temporal interference stimulation technology, heralds a new era in neuromodulation. These approaches offer superior spatial and temporal precision, promising to elevate athletic performance, accelerate sport science research, and enhance recovery from sports-related injuries and neurological conditions. This comprehensive review delves into the principles, applications, and future prospects of non-invasive brain stimulation in the realm of exercise science. By elucidating the mechanisms of action and potential benefits, this study aims to arm researchers with the tools necessary to modulate targeted brain regions, thereby deepening our understanding of the intricate interplay between brain function and human behavior.
Introduction
Purpose
Transcranial ultrasound stimulation
Study Objective
To review and synthesize current and emerging non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, their mechanisms, applications, and future prospects for enhancing athletic performance and recovery in exercise science.
Outcomes and Safety
Summary of Outcomes
tDCS reliably improved motor-related outcomes—enhancing muscular strength and explosiveness, improving aerobic metabolism, reducing fatigue, and improving cognition to boost athletic performance. Emerging modalities (transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation and temporal interference stimulation) are reported to enable precise, high spatial/temporal modulation of deep brain regions, but no specific tFUS parameter sets were tested or reported in this paper.
Safety-related matter
The paper does not report any adverse effects or safety issues; it only discusses methodological limitations (limited spatial/temporal resolution and difficulty targeting deep structures) and notes that newer techniques may minimize interference with cortical function.
Brain Region
Ultrasound Parameters
Focal Characteristics
Focal depth: None; Focal length: None; Aperture size: None
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