BoxingNCT07862166
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Promotes Punching and Movement Speed in Elite Male Boxers
A study testing Anodal tDCS over M1 and Anodal tDCS over DLPFC in people with Boxing and Athletic Performance, run by Beijing Sport University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This study investigates whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a safe and non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can improve punching and movement speed in elite male boxers. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Boxing, Athletic Performance, tDCS
- What is being tested?
- Anodal tDCS over M1 and Anodal tDCS over DLPFC
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 9 May 2024to 9 May 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male elite boxers (national level 1 or above)
- Age 18-30 years
- No personal or family history of epilepsy or psychosis
- No medical device implants in the body
- No sports injuries within the last 6 months
- Normal vision or normal vision after correction
- Not taking medications that alter central nervous system function
Who cannot join
- Health status not meeting study requirements
- Poor adherence to study requirements
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
This study investigates whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a safe and non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can improve punching and movement speed in elite male boxers. Twenty-four elite male boxers will receive 2 mA tDCS over either the primary motor cortex (M1), the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), or sham stimulation for 20 minutes, in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Punching speed and movement speed will be assessed before and at three time points after stimulation (immediately, 20 minutes, and 45 minutes). The study aims to determine whether tDCS can enhance boxing-specific performance and whether the effects differ between stimulation sites.
Read the detailed description
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates cortical excitability. Previous research suggests that tDCS over motor and prefrontal regions may enhance motor performance and cognitive function. However, its effects on sport-specific skills in elite athletes, particularly boxing, remain limited.
This study employed a single-blind, sham-controlled, within-subjects design. Twenty-four elite male boxers were recruited. Each participant completed four sessions: one familiarization session and three stimulation sessions (M1, DLPFC, and sham) in a randomized, counterbalanced order. The primary objectives were to investigate the effects of tDCS over M1 and DLPFC on punching speed (average reaction time and total punches) and movement speed (movement time) in elite male boxers. Secondary objectives included monitoring maximum heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion.
- Conditions
- Boxing, Athletic Performance, tDCS
- Being tested
- Anodal tDCS over M1, Anodal tDCS over DLPFC, Sham tDCS
- Keywords
- boxing, elite boxer, reaction time, non-invasive brain stimulation, speed
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Anodal tDCS over M1Device
A transcranial electrical stimulator (YINGCI TCS-E2, Shenzhen, China) delivered 2 mA anodal tDCS for 20 minutes. Saline-soaked (0.9% NaCl) surface sponges covered with conductive rubber electrodes served as the anode and cathode. The anode was positioned over C3-Cz-C4 (5 × 15 cm), and the cathode over the forehead medial above the nasion.
Anodal tDCS over DLPFCDevice
A transcranial electrical stimulator (YINGCI TCS-E2, Shenzhen, China) delivered 2 mA anodal tDCS for 20 minutes. The anode was positioned over F3 (5 × 7 cm), targeting the left DLPFC, and the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital region.
Sham tDCSDevice
Sham stimulation was delivered using the same device. Electrical current was applied only during the first 30 s and the last 30 s of the 20-minute session, mimicking the mild tingling sensation of active tDCS.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| M1 tDCS | Experimental | Participants received 2 mA anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex (M1) for 20 minutes. The anode was placed over C3-Cz-C4 (5 × 15 cm) and the cathode over the forehead medial above the nasion. Receives: Device: Anodal tDCS over M1 |
| DLPFC tDCS | Experimental | Participants received 2 mA anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for 20 minutes. The anode was placed over F3 (5 × 7 cm) and the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital region. Receives: Device: Anodal tDCS over DLPFC |
| Sham tDCS | Sham comparator | Participants received sham tDCS. Electrical current was applied only during the first 30 s and the last 30 s of the 20-minute session, mimicking the mild tingling sensation of active tDCS. Receives: Device: Sham tDCS |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Average reaction time (ART)
Average reaction time recorded during the 1-minute punching speed test.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after stimulation (post 1), 20 minutes after stimulation (post 2), and 45 minutes after stimulation (post 3)
Total punches (TP)
Total number of punches delivered during the 1-minute punching speed test.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after stimulation (post 1), 20 minutes after stimulation (post 2), and 45 minutes after stimulation (post 3)
Movement time (MT)
Time taken to complete the eight-direction movement speed test.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after stimulation (post 1), 20 minutes after stimulation (post 2), and 45 minutes after stimulation (post 3)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Maximum heart rate (MHR)
Maximum heart rate recorded during the punching and movement speed tests.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after stimulation (post 1), 20 minutes after stimulation (post 2), and 45 minutes after stimulation (post 3)
Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)
Ratings of perceived exertion assessed using the Borg Scale (6-20).
Measured: Baseline, immediately after stimulation (post 1), 20 minutes after stimulation (post 2), and 45 minutes after stimulation (post 3)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Oct 2026
- Study start9 May 2024
- Primary completion9 May 2025
- Study completion9 May 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for BoxingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Within-subjects, single-blind, sham-controlled, crossover design. All participants received all three stimulation conditions (M1, DLPFC, and sham) in a randomized, counterbalanced order, with each session separated by at least 7 days.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Beijing Sport University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Fengxue Qi, phD, Principal investigator, Beijing Sport University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07862166
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024147H
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 7 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Individual participant data that underlie the results reported in this article, after de-identification (text, tables, figures, and appendices).
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Promotes Punching and Movement Speed in Elite Male Boxers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07862166
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2024147H
- Conditions
- Boxing, Athletic Performance, tDCS
- Keywords
- boxing, elite boxer, reaction time, non-invasive brain stimulation, speed
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Beijing Sport UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 9 May 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 9 May 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 9 May 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigates whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a safe and non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can improve punching and movement speed in elite male boxers. Twenty-four elite male boxers will receive 2 mA tDCS over either the primary motor cortex (M1), the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), or sham stimulation for 20 minutes, in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Punching speed and movement speed will be assessed before and at three time points after stimulation (immediately, 20 minutes, and 45 minutes). The study aims to determine whether tDCS can enhance boxing-specific performance and whether the effects differ between stimulation sites.
Detailed description
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates cortical excitability. Previous research suggests that tDCS over motor and prefrontal regions may enhance motor performance and cognitive function. However, its effects on sport-specific skills in elite athletes, particularly boxing, remain limited.
This study employed a single-blind, sham-controlled, within-subjects design. Twenty-four elite male boxers were recruited. Each participant completed four sessions: one familiarization session and three stimulation sessions (M1, DLPFC, and sham) in a randomized, counterbalanced order. The primary objectives were to investigate the effects of tDCS over M1 and DLPFC on punching speed (average reaction time and total punches) and movement speed (movement time) in elite male boxers. Secondary objectives included monitoring maximum heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Within-subjects, single-blind, sham-controlled, crossover design. All participants received all three stimulation conditions (M1, DLPFC, and sham) in a randomized, counterbalanced order, with each session separated by at least 7 days.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| M1 tDCS | Experimental | Device: Anodal tDCS over M1Participants received 2 mA anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex (M1) for 20 minutes. The anode was placed over C3-Cz-C4 (5 × 15 cm) and the cathode over the forehead medial above the nasion. |
| DLPFC tDCS | Experimental | Device: Anodal tDCS over DLPFCParticipants received 2 mA anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for 20 minutes. The anode was placed over F3 (5 × 7 cm) and the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital region. |
| Sham tDCS | Sham comparator | Device: Sham tDCSParticipants received sham tDCS. Electrical current was applied only during the first 30 s and the last 30 s of the 20-minute session, mimicking the mild tingling sensation of active tDCS. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Male elite boxers (national level 1 or above)
- Age 18-30 years
- No personal or family history of epilepsy or psychosis
- No medical device implants in the body
- No sports injuries within the last 6 months
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Health status not meeting study requirements
- Poor adherence to study requirements
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Anodal tDCS over M1A transcranial electrical stimulator (YINGCI TCS-E2, Shenzhen, China) delivered 2 mA anodal tDCS for 20 minutes. Saline-soaked (0.9% NaCl) surface sponges covered with conductive rubber electrodes served as the anode and cathode. The anode was positioned over C3-Cz-C4 (5 × 15 cm), and the cathode over the forehead medial above the nasion. | Device | M1 tDCS |
| Anodal tDCS over DLPFCA transcranial electrical stimulator (YINGCI TCS-E2, Shenzhen, China) delivered 2 mA anodal tDCS for 20 minutes. The anode was positioned over F3 (5 × 7 cm), targeting the left DLPFC, and the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital region. | Device | DLPFC tDCS |
| Sham tDCSSham stimulation was delivered using the same device. Electrical current was applied only during the first 30 s and the last 30 s of the 20-minute session, mimicking the mild tingling sensation of active tDCS. | Device | Sham tDCS |
Primary outcome
Average reaction time (ART)
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after stimulation (post 1), 20 minutes after stimulation (post 2), and 45 minutes after stimulation (post 3)
Average reaction time recorded during the 1-minute punching speed test.
Total punches (TP)
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after stimulation (post 1), 20 minutes after stimulation (post 2), and 45 minutes after stimulation (post 3)
Total number of punches delivered during the 1-minute punching speed test.
Movement time (MT)
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after stimulation (post 1), 20 minutes after stimulation (post 2), and 45 minutes after stimulation (post 3)
Time taken to complete the eight-direction movement speed test.
2 secondary outcomes
Maximum heart rate (MHR)
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after stimulation (post 1), 20 minutes after stimulation (post 2), and 45 minutes after stimulation (post 3)
Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after stimulation (post 1), 20 minutes after stimulation (post 2), and 45 minutes after stimulation (post 3)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Individual participant data that underlie the results reported in this article, after de-identification (text, tables, figures, and appendices).
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Fengxue Qi, phD principal investigator
Beijing Sport University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Anodal tDCS over M1 and Anodal tDCS over DLPFC in people with Boxing and Athletic Performance, run by Beijing Sport University at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Average reaction time (ART) (time frame: Baseline, immediately after stimulation (post 1), 20 minutes after stimulation (post 2), and 45 minutes after stimulation (post 3)). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.