The effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on psychological factors in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe, non-invasive neuromodulation method that delivers a low-intensity, constant direct current through electrodes positioned on the scalp. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to examine the effects of tDCS on psychological factors in athletes.

METHODS

Primary sources were sourced from four databases: SCOPUS, PubMed, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. The search period spanned from the inception of these databases up to February 1, 2026. Hedges' g effect size, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using either random or fixed-effect models for the outcomes.

RESULTS

After the screening process, a total of 14 studies comprising 376 participants were included in the systematic review. The results of the meta-analysis showed that tDCS improved attentional performance (1.18 [95% CI: 0.59 to 1.78], p = 0.001), cognitive function (1.12 [95% CI: 0.81 to 1.42], p = 0.001), and reduces mental fatigue (-1.35 [95% CI: -0.84 to -1.85], p = 0.001), reaction time (-1.35 [95% CI: -1.04 to -1.66], p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis demonstrates that the tDCS notably enhances attention, cognitive skills, and reduces mental fatigue, and reaction times among athletes. This research offers a detailed examination of how tDCS influences psychological aspects specifically in athletes, highlighting its potential as a valuable method for enhancing psychological performance in sports.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD420261304015.