Does Acute A-tDCS (Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) Improve Golf Performance of Professional Golfers?

Purpose: This study aims to verify the effectiveness of acute anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (A-tDCS) using Halo Sport headset device on golf performance in professional golfers. Research design, data, and methodology: Eight professional golfers who voluntary participated in high-level golf tournaments were recruited in this study. They attended one single-session intervention which was stimulated by Halo Sport headset device (n=8). The A-tDCS halo sport session lasted for 20 minutes and stimulated on the motor control area of the cortex (M1). Four golf swing performance tasks (driver, iron, 100-yard shot, 50-yard shot) were performed before and after halo intervention. Key indicators of golf swing performance (Club Speed, Face Angle, Ball Speed, Smash Factor, Spin Rate, Side, Carry, Total) were collected by Trackman launch monitor. Results: In Halo session, there were no found statistical significance in driver, iron and approach (100, 50 yards) after intervention (P<0.05). Even some of variables (face angle, smash factor, carry and total distance) in driver, distance accuracy of 100 yards and direction accuracy of 50 yards were slightly improved tendency, but it was not significant (P<0.05). Meanwhile, there was any enhance all of variables in iron. Conclusions: As a result, the current study concludes that the acute A-tDCS halo sport intervention has no effect on the positive golf performance improvement for professional players. Further implications were discussed.