Comparative Study of Effect of Mental Imagery and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Basketball Shooting Skill in Non-elite Basketball Players: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Basketball shooting is the most important technical movement among the physical skills of this sport. To achieve this goal, it is suggested to use complementary methods along with continuous sports training. Therefore, in this clinical trial study, a comparative study of the effect of mental imagery training and non-invasive technique of direct brain stimulation (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)) on shooting skills in non-professional basketball players was done. Materials and Methods: 36 non-elite basketball players (18-25) according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and results of the MIQ-3 questionnaire, were randomly divided into three groups with the same average age and gender: 1) mental imagery; 2) anodal tDCS over motor cortex area and 3) control with routine exercise. This way, the interventions were applied for six weeks, two weekly sessions, each lasting 20 minutes. Participants' shooting skills were measured by a modified AAHPERD basketball shooting test, before, after 12 treatment sessions, and one month after the last session, to check the durability of the effect. Results: Statistical findings showed that there is no statistically significant difference among the effects of routine exercises, mental imagery, and tDCS on improving shooting skills (P=0.757). The effect of all three interventions on shooting skills was permanent (P=0.001). By examining the effect size, it was determined that the effect size of the tDCS intervention on improving shooting skills is greater than the other two interventions. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, mental imagery or the use of tDCS was as effective as routine sports exercises in improving basketball players' shooting skills. So, during non-training periods or for injured athletes who are unable to perform physical exercises for some time, it can be helpful to perform imagery exercises or use tDCS. It is useful in maintaining acquired skills and preventing athletes from losing their performance and is a suitable alternative to performing physical exercises.