Effect of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on attention networks and execution of basketball free throw

Jahansouz, Omid; Abdoli, Behrouz; Farsi, Alireza; Khosrowabadi, Reza

doi:10.22089/mbj.2024.15421.2121

Effect of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on attention networks and execution of basketball free throw

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

omid Jahansouz ¹

behrouz abdoli ²

Alireza Farsi ²

Reza khosrowabadi ³

¹ Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665- 889, Tehran, Iran.

² Department of Behavioral Sciences and Cognitive and Sports Technology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute Cognitive Science Studies, University of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22089/mbj.2024.15421.2121

Abstract

Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on attention networks and free throw performance in wheelchair basketball athletes. Utilizing a semi-experimental pre-test, post-test design with a control group, the research included 20 male wheelchair basketball players randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group underwent four sessions of tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), while the control group received sham stimulation.
The study measured the efficacy of attention networks through the components of alerting, orienting, and executive control using the Attention Network Test (ANT). Additionally, free throw performance in wheelchair basketball was assessed. Data were analyzed using factorial variance analysis. Results demonstrated that the experimental group exhibited significant improvement in the alerting and executive control components of attention networks after tDCS compared to the control group. Moreover, a significant difference was observed in free throw performance between the two groups, suggesting a positive impact of tDCS stimulation on basketball performance.
Therefore, this study suggests that tDCS can serve as a non-invasive method to enhance executive functions of attention and improve sports performance in wheelchair basketball athletes. The procedure is time-efficient and can be easily integrated into athletes' rest or leisure periods.
Methods
This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-intervention-posttest design with a control group to evaluate the impact of four consecutive sessions of continuous transcranial electrical stimulation on attention networks and free throw scores in male wheelchair basketball athletes. The population included approximately 500 male wheelchair basketball players affiliated with sports teams. Using convenience sampling, twenty participants were selected and randomly assigned into two groups of ten: experimental and control.
Ethical approval was secured from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of Shahid Beheshti University (ethics code IR.SBU.REC.1402.009). Initially, the participants underwent baseline evaluations using the Attention Network Test and the Free Throw Basketball Test. Subsequently, the athletes were randomly assigned to their respective groups.
The intervention involved four daily sessions of tDCS with a 24-hour interval between them. Each session consisted of 20 minutes of stimulation with the anode electrode placed on the F3 area (left DLPFC) and the cathode electrode on the FP2 area. The control group received sham stimulation under the same schedule. After completion of the stimulation sessions, post-tests were conducted utilizing the same assessment tools.
Results
Descriptive statistical analysis indicated that the pre-test mean and standard deviation of free throw scores were 33.50 ± 6.96 for the experimental group and 30.00 ± 7.68 for the control group, revealing no significant baseline difference. However, post-test scores showed an increase to 39.00 ± 7.27 in the experimental group, while the control group's scores remained essentially unchanged at 30.00 ± 7.55.
A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a statistically significant difference in free throw scores between groups at post-test (p=0.014), confirming the intervention's efficacy.
For attention network evaluation, a three-way ANOVA (test phase × group × attention component) was conducted. Due to a significant interaction effect, main effects were not interpreted directly. Instead, independent t-tests were used to examine differences within each component between groups. The results showed significant improvements in the alerting component (p=0.005) and executive control component (p=0.021) in the experimental group compared to controls after stimulation. The orientation component did not show a significant change (p=0.261).
Overall, these results substantiate the effectiveness of tDCS in enhancing selective components of the attention network in male wheelchair basketball players.
Conclusion
Selective attention is a critical cognitive function for daily activities, and its improvement is particularly valuable for athletes with disabilities. This study focused on the effects of tDCS on male wheelchair basketball athletes, specifically targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to assess its impact on attention network components and free throw skill.
The ANT components measured alertness, orientation, and executive control. Significant improvements were documented in alertness and executive control in the experimental group relative to controls, supporting the conclusion that tDCS enhances cognitive performance in this athlete population. This inter-study variation may be due to methodological differences between studies. Also, part of the results of the present study showed that transcranial electrical stimulation of the brain in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has an effect on the free throw skill of wheelchair basketball athletes. It can be stated that tDCS of the brain has the ability to enhance various motor functions. It should also be noted that, it is likely that different brain regions play an effective role in limiting or regulating various aspects of athletes' performance, therefore this is a good justification for using tDCS of the brain to improve and enhance the effectiveness of sports performance. On the other hand, it has been shown that the physiological effects of tDCS on the brain are very diverse and depend on individual characteristics. Notably, executive control appears particularly amenable to stimulation effects, potentially influenced by the number of stimulation sessions—a factor that may explain variations between studies.
Additionally, stimulation of the DLPFC positively affected free throw performance, suggesting that tDCS facilitates motor function enhancements. It is also likely that different brain regions regulate distinct aspects of athletic performance, providing rationale for tDCS as a tool to improve sports efficacy.
The physiological consequences of tDCS on the brain are diverse and vary according to individual characteristics, underscoring the need for tailored approaches in future applications.

Article Message
The findings demonstrate that transcranial electrical stimulation can positively influence attention network components and basketball free throw ability in wheelchair basketball athletes. As a non-invasive, time-efficient intervention, tDCS can be conveniently applied during athletes' leisure or rest to improve executive attention functions and athletic performance.
Ethical Considerations
This research received ethical clearance from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of Shahid Beheshti University (IR.SBU.REC.1402.009).
Authors’ Contributions
Conceptualization, data collection, analysis, manuscript preparation, review, editing, funding, and literature review were conducted collaboratively by Omid Jahansouz, Behrouz Abdoli, Alireza Fars, and Reza Khosrowabadi. Omid Jahansouz also fulfilled the role of project manager. Additional contributions were offered by Saeed Albogbashe.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgments
The authors express profound gratitude to all participants, the Federation of Sports for Veterans and Disabled People of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Sports Board for Veterans and Disabled People of Fars Province, coaches, supervisors, and all individuals whose support was instrumental in conducting this research.

Keywords

Attention Network

Alerting

Orienting

Executive Control

Transcranial Current Stimulation

Subjects

Development of physical activity, motor development and improvement of motor skills for differently abled people

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