Statistical analysis
blurred vision, scalp irritation, fatigue, anxiety, itching, burning sensation, headache, acute mood, neck pain
Statistical analyses were calculated using SPSS software (Version 27.0, SPSS, Inc. Chicago, IL). Normality and homogeneity of variances tests were conducted for all dependent variables. If the assumption of sphericity was violated, the Greenhouse-Geiser correction was employed. For absolute MVC force, a three-way repeated measures ANOVA (2x2x2) with factors including time (pre-/post-tDCS), tDCS protocol (anodal/sham), and tested leg ((ipsilateral to tDCS) / contralateral to tDCS) was conducted. Sex was not included in the absolute data analysis as it is well established that men typically exert greater forces than women. However, for relative measures, sex was incorporated as a factor. For the fatigue index, a three-way repeated measures ANOVA (2x2x2) with factors including sex, tDCS protocol (anodal/sham), and leg tested was also completed. For the fatigue test, another 3-way repeated measures ANOVA (2x2x2) with factors including first and last (12) repetition, two legs and tDCS protocol (anodal/sham).If significant interactions were detected, post-hoc t-tests corrected for multiple comparisons were conducted to determine differences between values. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Cohen’s Friedman’s ANOVA was utilized to detect significant effects for scales related to headache, neck pain, blurred vision, scalp irritation, tingling, itching, burning sensation, acute mood change, fatigue, and anxiety. For significant effects post-hoc Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests corrected for multiple comparisons were performed.