Combined Effects Of Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation And Static Stretching On Hip Range Of Motion

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) combined with stretching on hip flexibility. Static stretching is often used to increase hip range of motion (ROM) and passive torque (PT). Recent studies have shown that tDCS can also improve ROM due to changes in pain perception (PP). Twenty-eight subjects received either active tDCS or sham tDCS. In both groups, the cathode was placed over the somatosensory cortex and the anode over the ipsilateral eyebrow. The active group received a current of 2 mA for 20 minutes. The sham group received no stimulation. All subjects then underwent a passive hamstring stretch of three 30-second holds. Hip ROM, PT, and PP were assessed before and after stimulation and at 0, 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after stretching. In the active group, ROM and PT increased after the combined stimulation and stretching and remained elevated for 60 minutes. In the sham group, no improvements occurred. There were no changes in PP at any time or between groups. The use of tDCS combined with stretching appears to be effective at improving hip flexibility for at least 60 minutes.