SynthesisFrontiers in sports and active living2026
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on basketball shooting accuracy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Frontiers in sports and active living, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
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Abstract
Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a form of transcranial electrical stimulation, has been investigated as a method to enhance motor performance in sports. However, findings regarding its effects specifically on basketball shooting accuracy remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effects of tDCS on basketball shooting performance by synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD420251066350), a comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, and CNKI. Search terms included "transcranial direct current stimulation," "tDCS," "basketball," and "shooting accuracy." Eligible studies were RCTs evaluating tDCS (anodal or cathodal) vs. sham stimulation in basketball players and reporting shooting accuracy outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effect model when appropriate. Results: The pooled analysis revealed a moderate, statistically significant effect of tDCS on improving basketball shooting accuracy [pooled standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.43, 0.92], Conclusions: This meta-analysis presents a novel quantitative synthesis of existing trial evidence examining the effects of tDCS on basketball shooting performance. These preliminary findings suggest that tDCS warrants further investigation as a potential neuromodulation technique for shooting-precision training; however, given the generally small sample sizes and short follow-up durations characterizing the current evidence base, any practical application remains premature. Future research incorporating larger, ecologically valid, and longer-term study designs is needed to confirm the durability of tDCS-related benefits and to establish optimal stimulation protocols before this approach can be responsibly translated into athletic training practice. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251066350, identifier CRD420251066350.
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