Acute Effect of Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation on Ventilatory Muscle Strength and Endurance in Young and Older Women

BACKGROUND: Trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) has been shown to impact diaphragm evoked potentials in young volunteers; however, it remains unclear if this translates into increased strength and ventilatory muscle function. This study aimed to evaluate whether an acute session of tsDCS can improve inspiratory muscle strength and ventilatory endurance in healthy young and older women. METHODS: < .05. RESULTS: = .01), with moderate effect sizes (Cohen's D = 0.74). No significant changes were observed in young women, possibly because of a physiological ceiling effect. MVV did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: tsDCS improved inspiratory muscle strength in older women only, suggesting its effectiveness may be greater in populations with age-related decline. Future studies should explore tsDCS in other populations, clinical conditions, and over repeated sessions.