Golf Research Update #9
Brain Stimulation For Enhanced Golf Performance
The effect of warm-up with transcranial direct current stimulation on performance factors in collegiate golfers
What: This study explores the impact of combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with warm-up exercises on performance metrics in collegiate golfers.
What is TDCS? It is a non-invasive technique that uses a mild electrical current to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It’s thought to help improve brain function related to focus, motor skills, and performance.
How: Twenty-two male college golfers were divided into two groups: one received tDCS, and the other received a placebo (sham). Both groups performed the same warm-up routine. Afterward, their performance was measured, focusing on driving distance, clubhead speed, ball speed, jump height, and their subjective feelings about their performance.
Results: The golfers who received tDCS showed better driving distance, clubhead speed, ball speed, and jump height than those in the placebo group. They also reported feeling more positive about their performance. However, there was no noticeable improvement in their focus or attention.
Limitations: The study was small and only involved college golfers, so the results might not apply to everyone. Also, the study only looked at short-term effects, so we don’t know if the benefits last over time.
Implications: The study suggests that tDCS could be a useful tool to boost golf performance, especially for improving driving distance and leg power. However, since the benefits may be short-lived and focus wasn’t improved, more research is needed to understand how tDCS can be best used in sports.
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