Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With or Without Caffeine: Effects on Training Volume and Pain Perception

摘要

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of tDCS combined with caffeine intake on training volume and pain perception in the bench press in resistance-trained males. The correlation between training volume and pain perception was also assessed in all interventions. Methods: Sixteen healthy males (age = 25.2 +/- 4.7 years, body mass = 82.8 +/- 9.1 kg, and height = 178.3 +/- 5.7 cm), advanced in RT, were randomized and counterbalanced for the following experimental conditions: Sham tDCS with placebo intake (Sham+Pla), Sham tDCS with caffeine intake (Sham+Caff), anodal tDCS with placebo intake (a-tDCS+Pla), and anodal tDCS with caffeine intake (a-tDCS+Caff). The caffeine or placebo ingestion (both with 5 mg.kg(-1)) occurred 40 minutes before the tDCS sessions. The tDCS was applied over the left DLPFC for 20 minutes, with a 2 mA current intensity. After the tDCS sessions, participants performed the bench press with an 80% of 1RM load, where training volume and pain perception were measured. Results: Training volume was higher in the 1(st) and 2(nd) sets in both a-tDCS+Caff and Sham+Caff conditions, compared to the Sham+Pla condition (P .05). Conclusion: This research revealed that caffeine intake alone could be used as an ergogenic aid during resistance training programs in resistance-trained males.