Enhancing Motor Skill Consolidation and Muscle Strength Through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

Motor skill learning and strength training are fundamental for both athletic performance and rehabilitation following injury. This process involves two key phases: on-line learning, which occurs during active practice, and off-line learning, a consolidation phase that stabilises motor memory and enhances neuroplasticity. While transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to enhance on-line learning by modulating excitability in the primary motor cortex, its potential to improve off-line motor consolidation, particularly in strength training, remains largely unexplored. This PhD project aims to investigate how post-training tDCS can enhance motor skill consolidation and strength acquisition. The research will explore the optimal timing, stimulation parameters, and individual variability in response to tDCS, offering new insights into personalised neurostimulation strategies. Understanding these factors could lead to more effective applications of tDCS in rehabilitation and motor performance enhancement. The project consists of three key studies. The first study will be a systematic review and meta-analysis, synthesising current evidence on the effects of tDCS on motor learning and strength. The second study will focus on optimising tDCS application, examining the timing and intensity of post-training tDCS to maximise strength retention and motor consolidation. The third study will explore individual variability in tDCS efficacy, investigating how genetic, neuroplastic, and demographic factors influence responsiveness to neurostimulation. By advancing our understanding of non-invasive neurostimulation techniques, this research has the potential to enhance rehabilitation strategies for clinical populations, including individuals recovering from stroke or musculoskeletal injuries. Additionally, the findings will contribute to motor learning science and sports training, optimising tDCS as a tool for improving motor function, accelerating recovery, and enhancing overall performance.