Affiliations: [a] Physical Activity and Health Promotion Laboratory (LABSAU), Physical Education and Sports Institute, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | [b] Research Group on Exercise Hemodynamics and Metabolism (GEPHEME), Associated Graduated Program UPE/UFPB, Pernambuco, Brazil | [c] Research Group of Integrative Biology of Exercise (GEPEBIEX), Physical Education Department, Rio Grande do Norte Federal University, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil | [d] Department of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil | [e] School of Health & Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Raphael Mendes Ritti-Dias, Albert Einstein Hospital, Albert Einstein Avenue, 627, Sao Paulo, ZIP-code: 05652-900, Brazil. Tel.: +5519 99940 6878; E-mail:raphaelritti@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent evidences have shown that the motor cortex (MC)
may influence the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Given the potential
role of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in modulate cortical
areas related to exercise performance, it is possible that tDCS applied on
motor cortex (MC) could also influence the RPE during resistance exercises. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the effects of transcranial direct
current stimulation on the rating of perceived exertion during multiple sets
of resistance exercises. METHODS: Thirteen strength-trained men performed a resistance
exercise session after either anodal tDCS or sham stimulation applied over
the primary motor cortex. Resistance exercise sessions included 3 sets of 10
repetitions of 6 exercises performed with load of at 85% of 8-12 RM. The
RPE was obtained using OMNI-Resistance exercise scale. RESULTS: The RPE assessed at the end of the sessions was similar in
tDCS vs. sham condition (6.78 ± 1.48 vs. 6.87 ± 1.49,
respectively; p = 0.56). The RPE for each exercise was similar across
conditions, except for the second set of bench press (p = 0.04) and first set
of seated-row (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the RPE during multiple sets of
submaximal exercises was not modulated by tDCS applied upon MC.
Keywords: tDCS, motor cortex, exercise, perceived exertion, strength
