Latest Blogs

Book Review: Conditioning for Esports

May 30, 2024

Find out what this new bible for esports has to offer for the whole industry.

Esports are a bit of an enigma.

On the one hand the dramatic rise of esports has been unprecedented, quickly garnering literally hundreds of millions of avid fans inspired by some of the most impressive brains on the planet.

On the other hand this domain is still in its infancy when it comes to understanding how to be effectively successful from a human performance perspective.

In a landmark bid to address this gap ‘‘Conditioning for Esports: A Guide to Training and Performance’’ is a book which comprehensively lays the foundations for teams, coaches and players to take performance to the next level. Here we will highlight what this quintessential guide has to offer this developing industry.

The Gist of the Book

From the outset comparisons are naturally drawn between esports and traditional sports. While from a sports science angle there is still a long way to go in terms of research, there is also a lot of underappreciated respect for competitive gamers as true athletes.

For example, studies are referenced which show that the levels of cortisol produced in competition are actually on par with that of a race car driver, matched with a high pulse rate of up to 180 beats per minute. Due to grueling training schedules and physical duress, around half of Esports athletes’ careers are ended due to injuries, often following multiple surgeries.

This underscores the need for a holistic approach to esports performance by both emulating a lot of what has been learned through sports science, while also appreciating the unique needs of esport athletes. In this light detailed attention is devoted to the performance mindset, the mind–body connection, the roles of nutrition, recovery, player development, and the physical and psychological conditioning necessary for peak performance in the gaming environment.

What makes the book a gem is the fact that the authors are bonafide experts in the fields of esports, traditional sports, physiological conditioning and human health. In a nutshell it is written from the ground-up to provide the necessary education and resources to help players achieve their performance goals, without losing sight of overall health and well-being.

A New Bible for Esports

Conditioning for Esports takes a rigorous approach to all aspects of player and team development, a kind of ten commandments style compendium delivered chapter by chapter across the following themes.

1. Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Sports and Esports

2. Player Development Within the Esport Ecosystem

3. The Cognitive Athlete—Making the Mind–Body Connection

4. Role of Performance Psychology in Esport Player Development

5. Nutrition and Esport Performance

6. Sleep, Fatigue, and Recovery in Esports

7. Esport Injury Assessment and Care

8. Corrective Exercise Guidelines for Esport Impairments

9. Physical Training and Exercise Guidelines for Esport Athletes

10. Physical Training Programming for Esport Teams

This offers a fresh holistic perspective on what it takes to succeed in this burgeoning field, in a way that is deeply detailed, yet highly accessible.

It paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads, with growing mainstream acceptance opening up more avenues for professional gamers to refine their skills. It emphasizes inclusivity, urging new talents from diverse backgrounds to bring their expertise into the esports arena.

Discussions cover how a panoply of skills can be honed and modified through the latest research, emphasizing that the understanding of neurophysical performance will continue to evolve in tandem with the growth of the industry.

Addressing Practical Needs

Transitioning from practice to game day, the book highlights the mental shift required to focus more on the process than the outcome. It underscores the importance of pregame readiness, advocating for mental and physical warm-ups to combat anxiety and sharpen focus. Communication, a critical component in team-based esports, is explored in depth, revealing how effective teamwork and preparation can significantly boost a player's performance.

Nutrition and trust in training receive special attention, emphasizing the need for personalized dietary plans and the crucial role of coaches in achieving team buy-in. This extends to the cognitive benefits of proper nutrition and the importance of understanding individual dietary needs to optimize performance.

It also tackles the less-discussed aspects of esports, such as the necessity of a well-designed gaming station to prevent injuries and promote long-term athlete health, the importance of sleep and its impact on cognitive and physical recovery, offering strategies to improve sleep hygiene.

The integration of exercise into an esports athlete's routine is also highlighted, detailing the benefits of a structured exercise regimen that aligns with general health guidelines but is tailored to the unique demands of esports.

Takeaways

Overall, Conditioning for Esports is a desperately needed one-stop guide for anyone involved in esports, from new players to seasoned professionals, coaches and even health practitioners. It offers a blueprint for not just surviving but thriving in the competitive world of esports, marking it as an essential read for those looking to elevate their game or understand the intricacies of this dynamic industry.

Available on Amazon: Conditioning for Esports: A Guide to Training and Performance

Virtual Counselling & Therapy for Mental Health Problems: A Definitive Guide

Guest Writers

May 27, 2024

Learn about the transformative shifts in how mental health services are being delivered.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, virtual counselling & therapy for mental health problems have emerged as pivotal resources. This guide delves into the intricacies of these services, highlighting their importance, mechanisms, types, & benefits.

What is Virtual Counselling & Therapy for Mental Health?

Virtual counselling & therapy refer to the provision of mental health services through digital platforms. This can include video calls, phone calls, chat-based interactions, & even AI-driven sessions.

Licensed mental health professionals offer these services, ensuring that clients receive the same quality of care as they would in a traditional face-to-face setting. The core objective remains to provide support, guidance, & treatment for various mental health issues, ranging from anxiety & depression to more complex psychological conditions.

Why We Need Virtual Counselling & Therapy

The need for virtual counselling & therapy has been amplified by several factors:

- Accessibility: One of the most significant advantages is the increased accessibility to mental health services. People living in remote areas, those with physical disabilities, or individuals with tight schedules can now receive the help they need without logistical barriers.

- Stigma Reduction: Mental health stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help. Virtual platforms offer a level of anonymity & privacy that can encourage more people to reach out for support without the fear of being judged.

- Convenience: Virtual counselling allows for flexible scheduling, making it easier for individuals to fit therapy into their busy lives. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those balancing work, family, & other responsibilities.

- Pandemic Response: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of virtual mental health services. With lockdowns & social distancing measures in place, many turned to virtual counselling as a vital resource for maintaining their mental health.

What are the common types of virtual counselling & therapy?

Virtual counselling & therapy encompass a variety of approaches, each tailored to different needs & preferences:

- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely-used therapy that helps individuals identify & change negative thought patterns & behaviours. Virtual CBT sessions are conducted through video or chat, making them accessible & effective.

- Psychodynamic Therapy: This type of therapy focuses on understanding unconscious thoughts & how they influence behaviour. Virtual sessions can help clients explore their past experiences & how they affect their current mental health.

- Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizing self-growth & self-actualization, humanistic therapy often involves open-ended conversations that can be effectively conducted over video calls.

- Group Therapy: Virtual group therapy brings together individuals with similar issues, providing a supportive community. Sessions can be conducted via video conferencing, facilitating interaction & mutual support.

- Family Therapy: Virtual family therapy sessions help families navigate conflicts & improve communication. It is particularly useful when family members live in different locations.

How does it work?

Virtual counselling & therapy services operate through various digital platforms designed to facilitate secure & confidential communication between clients & therapists. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically works:

- Platform Selection: Clients can choose from a range of platforms that offer virtual counselling services. These platforms include Better Help, Talk space, & traditional healthcare providers that have adapted to virtual models.

- Initial Assessment: Clients often start with an initial assessment, which can be done through an online questionnaire or a preliminary consultation. This helps match them with a suitable therapist based on their specific needs.

- Session Scheduling: Clients can schedule sessions at times that are convenient for them. Many platforms offer the flexibility to book sessions outside of traditional office hours, including evenings & weekends.

- Conducting Sessions: Sessions are typically conducted through video calls but can also include phone calls, chat-based communications, or even text messaging, depending on the client's preference & the therapist's offerings.

- Confidentiality & Security: Reputable virtual counselling platforms prioritize confidentiality & data security. They use encryption & secure login procedures to ensure that all communications remain private.

What are the benefits?

Virtual counselling & therapy offer numerous benefits that make them an attractive option for many individuals.

- Increased Accessibility: Virtual services break down geographical barriers, providing access to mental health care for individuals in rural or underserved areas.

- Cost-effective: Without the need for physical office space, virtual counselling can often be more affordable than in-person therapy. Additionally, it saves on travel expenses.

- Comfort & Convenience: Clients can attend sessions from the comfort of their own homes, which can make them feel more at ease & open during therapy.

- Flexibility: The flexibility of scheduling allows clients to choose times that best fit their lifestyles, making it easier to maintain a consistent therapy routine.

- Variety of Options: Virtual platforms offer access to a wide range of virtual counselors & therapists & therapy styles, allowing clients to find the best fit for their needs.

- Anonymity: The option to remain anonymous can be crucial for those who feel uncomfortable discussing their issues face-to-face or in a local setting.

- Continuity of Care: Even if clients move or travel frequently, they can continue their therapy sessions without interruption, ensuring continuity of care.

Conclusion

Virtual counselling & therapy represent a transformative shift in how mental health services are delivered. By leveraging technology, these services make mental health support more accessible, flexible, & convenient. As we move forward, the integration of virtual counselling into the broader mental health care system is likely to grow, driven by ongoing advancements in technology & a greater societal recognition of the importance of mental health. For anyone seeking support, virtual counselling & therapy provide a viable, effective, & increasingly popular option to consider.

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The Benefits of Cognitive Assessments for Understanding Real-World Functioning

May 17, 2024

Get an overview of the tests designed to decode how your grey matter functions.

Cognitive assessments are pivotal tools in understanding the complexies of our brains function, our human performance needs, and in identifying specific signs of cognitive impairments. These assessments, rooted in neuroscience and psychology, provide key insights into the inner workings of our minds and are essential for both healthcare professionals and researchers.

The Foundations of Cognitive Assessment

Cognitive assessment involves a series of neuropsychological tests designed to evaluate mental functions such as memory, attention, reasoning, and language comprehension. These tests offer a comprehensive view of an individual's cognitive abilities, helping to establish a baseline of their mental fitness or to detect specific neurological. These tests can be highly specific, for example measuring different types of verbal working memory, or be designed to diagnose certain neurological conditions such as ADHD.

Decoding Brain Function with Cognitive Assessments

The brain, our most complex organ, coordinates thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger, and every process that regulates our body. By applying cognitive assessments, specialists can pinpoint which areas of the brain are functioning well and which may be lagging. This is crucial for diagnosing neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Understanding specific deficits allows for targeted therapies that can improve symptoms and enhance quality of life.

Alternatively, some cognitive assessments like NeuroTracker tests how many cognitive subsystems perform in an integrative way to measure more global cognitive functioning. This can be particularly useful for predicting real-world performance abilities, or as tools for initial cognitive screening to detect potential neurological problems for further investigiation.

Understanding Human Performance Needs

In settings like schools and workplaces, cognitive assessments are invaluable for identifying individuals' strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge can be used to develop customized educational or training programs that optimize learning and performance.

For instance, if a student shows outstanding problem-solving skills but struggles with memory, tailored educational strategies can be implemented to support their learning needs.

Early Detection of Cognitive Impairments

Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of cognitive assessments is their ability to detect early signs of cognitive decline or neurodegenerative associated with aging.

Identifying these issues at an early stage can lead to interventions that may slow the progression of cognitive impairments, offering individuals a better prognosis. This is especially vital for older adults, where early signs of decline can often be overlooked as typical age-related changes.

The Future of Cognitive Assessments

The future of cognitive assessments is marked by technological advancements that promise more precise and accessible evaluations. Digital tools, wearables, neuroimaging and neurofeedback techniques used while performance mental tasks, along with AI applications to analysis cognitive data, are progressing quickly. These are set to transform the power and specificity of cognitive assessments, also making them more user-friendly. The increasing power of smartphones and digital telehealth solutions likewise improves accessibility to brain data to guide best practices in daily life.

Takeaway

Cognitive assessments are more than just evaluations, they are keys that unlock the complex functions of the human brain and act as early warning systems for cognitive decline. As we continue to advance our understanding and technology, the role of cognitive assessments in improving mental health and human potential becomes increasingly clear. Their integration into routine healthcare and personal development is essential for fostering a society where brain health is prioritized and understood.

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New Research: NeuroTracker Improves Pro Baseball Hitting

May 9, 2024

Check out rare research on the far transfer effects of cognitive training to pro sports performance.

It’s rare for pro sports teams to engage in peer-reviewed neuroscience studies. It’s even less rare to study ‘far transfer’, that is, whether or not generic forms of training can produce measurable improvements in competitive sports performance. Researchers from Nishinippon Institute of Technology, Kyusyu Institute of Technology, and Kyushu Sangyo University teamed up with the Saitama Seibu Lions, a professional baseball team in Japan's Pacific League. Their goal was to investigate if training with NeuroTracker’s 3D multiple object tracking could produce far transfer effects by enhancing hitting performance. Here we will summarize the surprising results.

Breaking New Ground in NeuroTracker Research

Although there are over 100 independently published NeuroTracker studies, this ambitious study titled ‘Transferability of Multiple Object Tracking Skill Training to Professional Baseball Players’ Hitting Performance’, employed some new research methodologies.

Firstly, the training intervention spanned approximately 5 months, with coaches at the Seibu Lions advising on the most relevant performance metrics to measure.

Secondly, the study gave the baseball players the freedom to choose when and where to do their training using the remote capabilities of the NeuroTrackerX platform.

Lastly, this was the first NeuroTracker study to examine the effects of extended training, with some players completing above 80 sessions (vs the standard of 30 sessions). For this reason, some dual-task NeuroTracker training was incorporated into the intervention according to the patented NeuroTracker Learning System. This is the first research to include this methodology in a far transfer study.

What Was Studied

12 pro baseball players undertook the NeuroTracker training intervention. Most players opted to perform their NeuroTracker sessions following their baseball practice (74.8% of sessions).

Out of these players, 6 met the inclusion criteria (factoring in effects of player transfers and injuries) for studying far transfer effects to competition performance. 2 of the baseball players were short-distance hitters, three were medium distance, and one was long-distance.

Data for these athletes was collected from professional league games for 4 months prior to the training, through to 5 months after the starting the NeuroTracker intervention. The performance metrics collected were as follows.

Zone contact: the percentage of batted balls (including foul balls) that occurred when the batter swung.

Zone-swing strike: the percentage of all pitches thrown in the strike zone that resulted in strikes when the batter swung at them.

Outside swing: the percentage of batters who swung at pitches thrown outside the strike zone.

Outside-swing strike: the percentage of cases in which a batter swung at a pitch thrown outside the strike zone.

What Was Found

NeuroTracker pre-post baselines and average learning rates

In terms of group average the players started out with NeuroTracker speed thresholds of around 1.7, which is atypically high for professional athletes. This rose to 2.2 by the end of training - approximately a 30% increase in visual tracking speed skill.

Importantly, learning rates through the extended training intervention showed no ceiling effects, suggesting that long-term NeuroTracker training yields on-going cognitive benefits.

Hitting Performance for each of the metrics were separated into two sub-categories: fast-balls and non-fastballs.

For batting against fastball pitches there were mixed results, with marginal but non-significant gains overall. The in-conclusive results here may be related to the limits of human perception and reaction.

As baseball and sport-vision expert Dr. Dan Laby states, when it comes to the extreme pitch speeds that pros can reach, hitting a baseball is ‘‘the most difficult task in all of sports’’.

This is because hitters have an effective window of just 150 milliseconds to see the pitch, decide, and then trigger a motor action. This is half the time it takes to blink!

For non-fastball pitches such as curve balls and sliders, significant post-training improvements were seen with surprisingly large effect sizes.

Successful hit rate increased by +12%, while zone swing and outside swing strikes were reduced substantially by -25.3% and -26.5% respectively. Outside swings were also positively reduced by -9.6%.

Takeaways

Given that the time committed to NeuroTracker sessions was just 1 to 1.5 hours per month, the results suggest that this form of training is highly efficient for improving baseball hitting skills. In particular, reducing the number of strikes against curve balls and sliders by over 25% is a big result, essentially reducing the potential of pitchers on the opposing team.

The study also provides initial validation that a training protocol determined by the players themselves can still be very productive. Also, in terms of the on-going benefits found for longer-term training, these study findings indicate for the first time that it would be relevant to investigate such transfer effects across multiple sports seasons.

Lastly, and as mentioned at the outset, this type of research with sports professionals is extremely rare. The Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences in Germany conducted a meta-review of 1692 cognitive sports studies, finding that only 3 studies successfully examined far transfer to elite sports performance. As such this research may be influential in encouraging more qualitative studies into human cognitive performance.

Reference
‘Transferability of Multiple Object Tracking Skill Training to Professional Baseball Players’ Hitting Performance’ (open-access paper)
Ryousuke Furukado, Yoshiko Saito, Toru Ichikawa 3, Kei Morikawa, Daiki Enokida, Hirohisa Isogai.

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Optimal Hydration for Brain Health and Mental Agility

May 3, 2024

Prepare to be surprised just how much water influences your grey matter.

Although it's one of the simplest aspects of our diet to manage, optimal hydration plays an often overlooked role in brain health and performance. The vital organ within our skill depends on hydration like a traveler in a desert oasis. Beyond merely quenching thirst, optimal hydration is pivotal for maintaining peak cognitive function and preserving brain health. Here we will overview this critical relationship, highlighting the multiple ways in which water impacts our mental prowess.

Fluid in our Brain Biology

The brain is a watery marvel, comprised of about 73% water. Just as a river nourishes the land it flows through, hydration serves as the lifeblood of cognitive processes. Research emphasizes the significance of hydration in maintaining proper neurotransmitter function, facilitating efficient neuronal communication, and supporting overall cognitive performance.

Mental Agility

If you think of the brain as a finely-tuned engine, then hydration is a bit like premium-grade fuel. Studies have highlighted the correlation between hydration status and global cognitive function over multiple years, revealing that even mild dehydration over the long term can lead to reductions in attention, memory, and executive function. From tackling complex problems or playing sports, to staying sharp during meetings, staying adequately hydrated is a simple everyday way to avoid concentration problems.

Role in Memory and Mood

Hydration may be many people's unknown ally against forgetfulness. Studies reveal how liquid intake plays a surprisingly central role in memory consolidation, in particular showing that how short-term memory improves following fluid consumption. The takeaway is that if you are dehydrated, you are less likely to remember things. As memory is closely tied to learning, this is especially important for students.

Emotions emerge from our brain's chemistry. Here hydration quitely effects our mood stability, a little like being 'hangry'. Though in people who have generally poor hydration levels, the effects can be quite substantial, with research showing that increasing their daily water intake triggering significant improvements in overall mood levels.

This may also be a factor in the lows typically experienced in alcohol related hangovers, where the dehydration effects are known to cause headaches.
Accordingly, lack of water intake is also associated with increased risk of depression and anxiety.

Role in Brain Health

Known as the ''hydromolecular hypothesis'', lifelong hydration habits may play an important part in the prevention of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, into older age. For example Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients are often at major risk of dehydration, while typically unaware. Aside from complex chemistry interactions at the cellular level, each night while asleep the brain literally washes away dead cells and toxins through cerebrospinal fluid flow.

Related, hydration levels have also been shown to directly affect sleep quality. Intriguingly, inadequate fluid intake appears to result in too much the time spent in REM dream states, reducing the amount of time in deep sleep, which is crucial for restoration and repair throughout the body and brain.

The Simple Way to Safeguard Your Brain Health

For the majority of people water is cheap, accessible and a thirst quenching beverage. Though under appreciated by most people, our brains depend on adequate hydration to remain healthy in both the long and short term, as well as retain optimal cognitive performance. If you get to the state of feeling thirsty then usually you are already starting dehydrate. As possibly the easiest way to look after your grey matter, it's good practice to always have fluids to drink nearby.

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New Research: Playing Sports Enhances Cognitive Abilities

April 26, 2024

Discover neuroscience findings on the influence of sports on high-level cognition.

The physiological prowess of athletes has long fascinated researchers and sports fans alike. However past research published in Nature showed that perceptual-cognitive abilities are perhaps the strongest measure defining what makes elite athletes the cream of the crop. A new study by the Faubert Lab at the University of Montreal took on the nature versus nurture debate to investigate if playing sports actually helps enhance these mental abilities, as well as to see if such effects differs between males and females. Here we will cover the key findings.

What Was Studied

The study, conducted on 72 individuals aged 16 to 22, split participants into 4 groups: male athletes, female athletes, male non-athletes and female non-athletes.

Each group performed 15 sessions of NeuroTracker - a 3D multiple object tracking task that tests and trains perceptual-cognitive abilities. 15 sessions was used to establish an initial baseline of high-level cognitive functions, as well as to assess learning adaptations to this task – a novel functional measure of neuroplasticity.

What Was Found

All groups showed significant improvement within a total of 90-minutes of distributed NeuroTracker training.

Initially, male athletes demonstrated higher performance compared to their female counterparts and non-athletes. However, over five weeks of training performed in 3-session blocks, female athletes and male non-athletes demonstrated similar learning rates to male athletes.

Throughout the training female athletes also maintained consistently higher scores than male non-athletes, as did male athletes over other groups. This performance displayed a clear cognitive advantage from engaging in sports.

Results from 5 x 3 session blocks of NeuroTracker

The data was then analyzed to produce ‘normalized’ learning rates, revealing very similar improvement rates, apart from the non-athlete female group. This contrasts prior research showing that experienced world-class athletes have greatly superior learning rates, suggesting a relationship between level of elitism in sports performance and functional neuroplasticity levels.

Discussion

Though a relatively simple study, the findings indicate that playing sports, even at a relatively young age, has an observable effect on enhancing cognitive performance.

The implications of these findings extend beyond the realm of sports. For instance, NeuroTracker performance has been shown in driving research to be significantly correlated with driving safety.

Additionally higher cognitive performance is associated with better brain health, possibly closing the loop between the benefits of sports and exercise. That said, more research is needed to differentiate the physiological benefits of exercise and the cognitive stimulation involved with high perception and decision-making demands found particularly in team sports.

In terms of the male and female differences, other NeuroTracker research by Texas A&M nutrition scientists suggests that these differences are negligible when college-age females have sufficient iron in their diet. This might partly corroborate these findings, given that young females athletes are likely to have more nutritious diets that non-athletes.

As the human brain does not fully mature until around the age of 25, the overall results add evidence to the potential neurodevelopmental benefits of early involvement in sports.

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Reference

Gender comparison of perceptual-cognitive learning in young athletes

Isabelle Legault & Jocelyn Faubert, Nature Scientific Reports

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Performance

Book Review: Eye of the Champion

April 17, 2024

Insights on the new book by sports vision guru Dr. Daniel Laby.

In the competitive world of sports, where every fraction of a second and every split-second decision counts, one often overlooked aspect can make all the difference: sports vision. Dr. Daniel Laby, an ophthalmologist with over 30 years of experience and multiple championship rings from working with world-class athletes, brings to the forefront what this field is all about in his new book ‘‘Eye of the Champion: Unlocking the Power of Sports Vision for Peak Performance’’.

Drawing from his extensive career working with professional athletes across a panorama of sports, Dr. Laby delves into the intricate relationship between vision, neuroscience and psychology in the context of on-field performance. Here we will review what the book is all about.

About Dr. Laby

Trained in Ophthalmology and specializing sports vision research and training of athletes, Dr. Laby has worked closely with MLB, NHL, and NBA teams, as well medal-winning teams at the Beijing and Tokyo Olympic games.

As a researcher who has actively expanded the field of sports vision science, he has authored many journal articles, in particular revealing new insights into the visual performance characteristics of different types of athletes.

Dr. Laby has an unusual zeal for educating common athletes and coaches on the principles he has extensively put into practice with the pros. His YouTube channel, Sports Vision by Dr. Laby, quickly garnered over 14K+ subscribers and is a superb resource for anyone looking to up their game via science. Dr. Laby regularly publishes insights on human performance concepts and the practical applications of sport vision science, all discernible to the layman.

Dr Laby was also featured in a fascinating Red Bull documentary detailing his comprehensive sports vision work with soccer star Trent Alexander Arnold, of Liverpool FC.

Who is the Book for?

Eye of the Champion isn't just a theoretical exploration, it's a practical guide, born from decades of hands-on experience.

Although it is interspersed with attention-grabbing anecdotes of his work with all-time greats like baseball legend Manny Ramirez, this book is all about aiding athletes and coaches at any level. Dr. Laby’s goal is to help people harness the applied use of knowledge accumulated in the whole field of sports vision science.

That said, there is also lots to learn even for a seasoned sports vision trainer. For example, a surprising 80% of the refracting power of the eye is due to the air and fluid interface in the tear film, as opposed to 20% coming from the lens. The critical role of the lens is actually its adaptive focusing abilities.

About the Book

What sets this book apart is how Dr. Laby distills the core scientific foundations of vision-related human performance, and then builds-out how they are applied with crystal clear examples and even introductions to the tools and technologies available.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring amateur, Eye of the Champion is a piece of literature thoughtfully designed from the ground-up to empower athletes to optimize their visual capabilities, ultimately enabling them to perform at their best.

Some cursory insights to be gained include:

- What 20/20 vision actually is, and why it is insufficient for most sports.

- How ‘quiet eye’ technique works.

- Why peripheral vision is stronger in low light conditions.

- Why where an athlete is looking before they make a play can predict their success rate

- The extent you process visual information and execute sports actions unconsciously.

- Why training mental muscle is much more effective than trying to train eye muscles.

- Why refractive surgery isn’t usually a good option for sports performance.

There are also pedagogically excellent images and QR code links, such as interactive illusions, helping give first-hand experience of the concepts being discussed.

The Sports Vision Pyramid

The core learning component of Eye of the Champion is the grandiose ‘‘Sports Vision Pyramid’’, a kind of ten commandments guide to the overall application of sports vision principles.

Accordingly, Dr. Laby first takes the time to outlay the essential concepts of the pyramid, like why it is so important to have solid foundations of the lower tiers, before working on aspects of the higher tiers.

He then breaks down each tier, chapter by chapter, delving into nested subjects like Go No-Go decision-making, along with details of their practical applications.

Dr. Laby also goes the extra mile to precisely describe how to reliably assess and train these sub-components of visual performance, as well as introducing the best practical tools for the job, in each domain.

Finally, he gives explanations of concepts athletes and coaches might have heard of, but are not quite sure about. For instance, what neuroplasticity is and if it is actually trainable from a sports performance perspective. Or why ocular dominance is one of the most common misconceptions in sports.

Takeaways

Overall Eye of the Champion is an erudite and comprehensive exposé of sports vision science and its real-world applications from a seasoned leader of the field. Dr. Laby makes this crucial dimension of human performance not only accessible, but memorable. There are lots of valuable lessons here, both conceptual and practical, that any athlete and coach can add to their toolkit.

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Performance

The Evolution of Sports Vision Science in Professional Athletics

April 12, 2024

Check out this overview on the rise of sports vision training for athletic performance.

In the dynamic landscape of professional sports, where the margins between triumph and defeat are razor-thin, athletes are constantly in pursuit of innovative strategies to gain a competitive edge. Amidst the relentless quest for physical prowess and tactical mastery, an often overlooked frontier has emerged – the realm of sports vision science. This interdisciplinary field has not only reshaped our understanding of human perception but has also revolutionized the way athletes prepare, perform, and excel on the field.

Tracing the Evolution of Sports Vision Science

The journey of sports vision science is one marked by relentless exploration and groundbreaking discoveries. Initially relegated to the sidelines, vision training has gradually evolved from rudimentary exercises to sophisticated, data-driven methodologies. What began as simple eye drills has blossomed into a nuanced understanding of visual acuity, dynamic tracking, and cognitive processing – all tailored to the demands of high-performance athletics.

Practical Implementations in Professional Sports Performance

Visual Perception Training: Professional athletes undergo rigorous visual perception training to sharpen their ability to process and interpret visual stimuli in real-time. This may involve exercises to enhance peripheral vision, improve depth perception, and optimize hand-eye coordination.

Neurofeedback and Virtual Reality Simulations: Cutting-edge technologies, such as neurofeedback systems and virtual reality simulations, are employed to create immersive training environments. Athletes can simulate game scenarios and fine-tune their decision-making skills under realistic conditions, fostering rapid adaptation and heightened situational awareness.

Customized Vision Enhancement Protocols: Sports vision specialists work closely with athletes to develop personalized training protocols tailored to their specific sport and position. Whether it's enhancing visual tracking for a baseball outfielder or improving depth perception for a basketball point guard, these customized interventions address the unique demands of each athlete's role on the field.

Performance Analysis and Feedback: Advanced analytics and biomechanical assessments are utilized to analyze an athlete's visual performance during practice and competition. By identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, coaches can provide targeted feedback to optimize technique and decision-making on the field.

NeuroTracker: Matt Ryan's ascension to MVP of the NFL was attributed to in-part to his use of NeuroTracker training. In an interview with the New York Times he gave this insight.
‘‘It’s important to have your mind operating on a high-level…that’s key as a quarterback, to be able to see things and how they relate to each other quickly. I think that’s exactly what NeuroTracker helps you do.’’

Real-World Success Stories

The impact of sports vision training is perhaps most palpable on the grand stage of professional sports. Countless athletes attribute their success to the insights gleaned from sports vision science and the dedicated efforts of their support teams.

From baseball sluggers who effortlessly track fastballs to soccer goalkeepers who anticipate shots with uncanny precision, the influence of visual training crosses every aspect of athletic performance.

The Future of Sports Vision Science

As we peer into the future, the trajectory of sports vision science appears boundless. Advancements in wearable technology, artificial intelligence, and genetic profiling promise to unlock new frontiers in human performance optimization. By harnessing the power of data-driven insights and interdisciplinary collaboration, we stand poised to redefine the boundaries of human potential in sports and beyond.

The evolution of sports vision science represents a paradigm shift in our approach to athletic development and performance enhancement. By recognizing the pivotal role of visual perception in sports, we have unlocked a treasure trove of strategies to elevate athletic excellence to unprecedented heights. As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and exploration, one thing remains clear – in the pursuit of victory, vision is not merely a tool but a gateway to triumph.

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NeuroTracker Training Paves the Way for Ukrainian Olympians

April 4, 2024

Learn about the Road to the Olympics project to support Ukrainian and Greek athletes.

The Road to the Olympics (RtO) project, founded under the European Platform for Sports Innovation (EPSI), has begun. On the 15th and the 16th of February a new Erasmus+ project, Road to Olympics, was kicked off with a meeting hosted by Kinetic Analysis in Breda, Netherlands. Partners, including the project leader The International Centre Sports Mental Coaching (Spain), the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, Olympiacos SPF (Greece), EPSI (Belgium) and the Technological University of Shannon (Ireland), discussed the importance of this project co-funded by the EU that will be implemented for the next 2 years.

RtO Kick Off meeting

The project will target Ukranian pre-olympian athletes, using Cognitive Training techniques to strengthen their mental skills. Considering the challenging situation their country is experiencing, the project hopes to implement mind coaching techniques, to prevent athletes’ performance levels from dropping.

During the first day of the kick-off meeting, participants had the opportunity of networking, creating the basis for a positive working relationship. The leaders introduced the project and the technology they developed at the International Centre, to strengthen cognitive skills. The second day saw a practical demonstration of the different variants of NeuroTracker, a cognitive training tool that will be instrumental in the implementation of the project.

As well as NeuroTracker, other technologies that will be fundamental parts of the project were presented to participants, including IDRO and SportsLapp, by Kinetic Analysis. These tools will be used to collect and analyse data on the athletes’ performance levels.

The Cognitive Training Program

The involvement of Ukrainian athletes and coaches will be ensured by the presence within the project Consortium of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine. In a spirit of inclusion and aggregation, the project’s scope will also be open to non-Ukrainian athletes and coaches. Around 30 athletes from Ukraine and 10 from Greece will be selected to take part in the project, as well as some coaches.

They will have access to training sessions held in Madrid (Spain) and Athens (Greece), which will be hosted by project partners in the next two years. The Cognitive Training methodology, developed by the International Centre, will be adapted to the needs of the participants and implemented throughout the project’s lifetime. The project outcomes will be scientifically evaluated. Lastly, a collection of guidelines on cognitive and mental training will be elaborated to give a Europe-wide resonance to the importance of cognitive and mental training.

EPSI Leads the Communication

Thanks to its expertise in the field, EPSI will guide the Communication and Dissemination of the project. EPSI aims to promote the objectives and results of the project, so as to involve and engage Sport organizations and other relevant stakeholders and raise their awareness on the importance of cognitive and mental training. By coordinating with other partners, EPSI will implement a common Communication Strategy, to disseminate the impact of RtO.

Being part of such an important project pushes the accelerator further on the sports innovation front, one that can have such a positive impact on the lives of people impacted by war, to hopefully keep them on the path to becoming Olympians.

To keep up with project updates, please visit: https://epsi.eu/project/road-to-olympics
Or contact Pedro Gormaz – CEO and Founder of the International Center Sports Mental Coaching.

Article source: https://epsi.eu/news/a-new-road-to-the-olympics/

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A Neuroscience Perspective on Psilocybin

March 26, 2024

Get an overview of the research perspective on the use of magic mushrooms for mental health.

In the realm of neuroscience, few substances have garnered as much attention and controversy as psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain species of mushrooms. Although traditionally associated with recreational use on the fringes of society, 85% of psilocybin use in the US is now centered around mental health treatment, psychotherapy, and cognitive enhancement. It is also by far the most commonly used psychedelic drug. Here will give an overview of the modern neuroscience perspective surrounding natural psilocybin and its research-based benefits.

Psilocybin for Mental Health

One of the most compelling areas of study is the use of psilocybin in the treatment of mental health disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research has shown that psilocybin can induce profound mystical experiences, which have been linked to long-term improvements in mood and overall well-being. Studies have demonstrated that a single dose of psilocybin, administered in a controlled therapeutic setting, can lead to significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, with effects lasting for months.

Moreover, psilocybin has shown promise in treating conditions such as addiction, with preliminary studies suggesting that it can help individuals overcome substance dependence by promoting introspection, insight, and a sense of connectedness. The therapeutic potential of psilocybin in mental health treatment is immense, offering new hope for those who have not found relief through traditional therapies.

Psilocybin for Psychotherapeutic Benefits

In addition to its potential as a standalone treatment, psilocybin has also been investigated as an adjunct to psychotherapy. When used in conjunction with psychotherapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapy, psilocybin has been shown to enhance the therapeutic process by facilitating introspection, emotional processing, and psychological insight.

Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy provides a unique opportunity for individuals to explore the root causes of their psychological distress in a safe and supportive environment. By catalyzing deep, transformative experiences, psilocybin can help patients break free from maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior, leading to profound shifts in perspective and lasting therapeutic gains.

Psilocybin for Cognitive Enhancement

Beyond its therapeutic applications, psilocybin has also been studied for its cognitive and creativity-enhancing effects. Research suggests that psilocybin may promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and form new connections, which could lead to improvements in cognitive function, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. This may be because of it's effects in encouraging neurons to form new synaptic connections unusually long distances across the brain.

Preliminary studies have shown that psilocybin can enhance cognitive flexibility, increase the capacity for divergent thinking, and promote novel insights. These cognitive enhancements may have far-reaching implications, not only for individuals seeking to optimize their cognitive performance but also for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Future Research

While the research on psilocybin is still in its early stages, the applied benefits for mental health, psychotherapy, and cognitive function are already well-founded. That said, it's likely that future neuroscience studies will continue discover more about the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of psilocybin, along with deeper and broader insights into its therapeutic and wellness enhancing applications.

In particular this will include the long-term effects of treatments, the optimal dosing protocols for different mental health conditions, and the precise ways by which psilocybin exerts positive effects on the brain and ways to minimize any associated risks. Additionally, advances in neuroscience techniques, such as neuroimaging and molecular biology, may provide new avenues for understanding the neurobiological basis of psilocybin's effects and identifying biomarkers of treatment response.

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9 Ways VR Technology Can Be Used to Explore Human Perception and Cognition

March 13, 2024

Learn about the intriguing ways VR can lead to discoveries into our very minds.

Virtual Reality (VR) is an unusual technology in that it is used by neuroscience researchers and entertainment enthusiasts alike. For decades VR has been the go-to tool for psychophysicists to investigate how the brain leverages it senses and cognition to simulate our perception of reality. The dramatic increase in the power and affordability of VR in recent years is driving mass adoption, making it also important to learn how VR experiences influence our cognition and mental states. There is certainly still lots to discover when it comes to understanding the complexities of the human mind. Here we will highlight the diversity of ways this tech can be utilized like a microscope to delve into our sophisticated perceptual systems.

1. Immersive Experiments: Unlike traditional research methods, VR provides an immersive environment where participants can engage with stimuli in a controlled yet naturalistic setting. Researchers can design experiments that mimic real-world scenarios, allowing for a deeper understanding of how individuals perceive and interact with their surroundings.

2. Spatial Cognition: VR enables researchers to investigate spatial cognition with high precision. By manipulating virtual environments, scientists can study how humans navigate complex spaces, perceive distances, and form mental maps—a vital aspect with applications ranging from urban planning to cognitive rehabilitation.

3. Embodied Presence: One of the most interesting features of VR is its ability to induce a sense of presence, where users feel fully immersed in the virtual world. This phenomenon opens avenues for exploring embodied cognition—the idea that our bodies shape our cognitive processes. Through VR, researchers can examine how bodily sensations influence perception, memory, and decision-making.

4: Multisensory Integration: Human perception is inherently multisensory, integrating inputs from various sensory modalities to construct a coherent understanding of the environment. VR technology facilitates the study of multisensory integration by manipulating visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli in synchronized fashion, offering insights into how the brain combines sensory information to form perceptions.

5. Perceptual Illusions: VR provides a platform for creating perceptual illusions—phenomena that challenge our understanding of reality. By presenting conflicting visual cues or altering spatial relationships, researchers can induce illusions such as the rubber hand illusion or the size-weight illusion, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying perception and consciousness.

6. Empathy and Perspective-Taking: VR has emerged as a powerful tool for fostering empathy and perspective-taking by allowing users to experience the world from different vantage points. Whether simulating the daily challenges faced by individuals with disabilities or immersing users in unfamiliar cultural contexts, VR promotes understanding and empathy by bridging perceptual and experiential gaps.

7. Cognitive Rehabilitation: VR also has direct applications for enhancing cognitive rehabilitation interventions. By creating tailored environments and tasks, clinicians can target cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and executive functioning in individuals with neurological conditions or cognitive impairments, offering a dynamic and engaging approach to therapy. Or alternatively exposure to threatening scenarios within a safe and controlled environment can be used to help overcome fear based conditions, such as PSTD.

8. Virtual Embodiment and Self-Perception: Through avatars and virtual embodiment, VR offers a unique window into self-perception and body representation. Studies have shown that embodying avatars with different physical characteristics can influence users' self-perception, attitudes, and behavior, highlighting the profound connection between virtual experiences and real-world identity.

9. Learning and Skill Acquisition: VR-based simulations provide a safe and immersive environment for learning and skill acquisition across various domains. From surgical training to driver education, VR allows individuals to practice and refine their skills in realistic scenarios, accelerating the learning process and enhancing performance outcomes. It also opens up the option for remote applications, such as telesurgery.

Future Directions

With tech giants like Meta and Apple investing heavily in VR developments the rapid evolution this immersive technology shows no signs of stopping. On the horizon are applications that will allow people to interact with photorealistic avatars that truly blur the lines between real and simulated. Integration with other tech like brain computer interfaces, live biometrics, eye tracking and neuromodulation techniques will only expand its applications in psychology, neuroscience, education, and industry training. As well as the impacts this will bring on our 21st century lifestyles, we can also expect a plethora of new insights into the workings of the human mind.

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21 Brain Boosting Beverages to Improve Your Memory

Guest Writers

February 22, 2024

Discover the myriad of cognitive enhancing drinks you can add to your daily hydration.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, cognitive health often takes a back seat. Still, the demands of modern living require us to be at the top of our mental game, so it's imperative to explore various avenues that can noticeably promote optimal brain function; beyond traditional lifestyle changes, incorporating brain-boosting beverages into our routines can be a delicious and effective way to enhance memory - so, just what yummy concoctions have shown promise in supporting cognitive brilliance?

1. Humble H20 - With a Twist

In the quest for mental well-being, simplicity often holds the key. Infused water, with its hydrating and flavorful properties, serves as a mindful elixir that not only refreshes the body, but also provides a moment of tranquility for the mind - just a squeeze of lemon, some muddled berries, or whatever takes your fancy, could be just what the concentration doctor's ordered. Traditional ‘bubbles’ might have to wait until after work - but watermelon bubbles can be enjoyed all day!

2. Green Tea

Green tea, celebrated for its antioxidants and minimal caffeine content, emerges as a powerhouse for cognitive enhancement, and the science backs it up a treat; the amino acid L-theanine found in green tea has been associated with improved focus and attention, making it an ideal beverage for those seeking to elevate their working memory.

3. Blueberry Smoothies

Blueberries, often dubbed as nature's brain food, are packed with flavonoids that boast powerful antioxidant properties that have been linked to improved cognitive function, including memory; blend them into a delicious smoothie to create a refreshing elixir that will have your taste buds singing while boosting your brainpower.

4. Turmeric Latte

The active compound curcumin in turmeric has garnered attention for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and has the potential to support brain health; a comforting turmeric latte is not just a trendy beverage, but also a flavorful way to introduce this brain-boosting spice into your daily routine.

5. Ginseng Infused Tea

Ginseng, revered in traditional medicine for its adaptogenic properties, can be infused into tea to create a beverage known for promoting cognitive sharpness. Enjoy a cup of ginseng tea as a soothing and invigorating addition to your memory-enhancing arsenal.

6. MCT Oil Coffee

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil have been associated with improved cognitive function; add a splash of MCT oil to your morning coffee for a creamy concoction that not only provides sustained energy, but also supports mental clarity and focus.

7. Cherry Juice

Quality sleep is vital for memory consolidation, and cherry juice has been linked to improved sleep duration and quality - try sipping on a glass of tart cherry juice in the evening to potentially enhance your sleep and, consequently, boost your memory.

8. Cinnamon-infused Almond Milk

Cinnamon has been associated with cognitive benefits, including improved attention and memory; combine this aromatic spice with almond milk for a deliciously spiced beverage that not only tantalizes your taste buds, but also contributes to cognitive well-being.

9. Ashwagandha Elixir

Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, has been traditionally used to support cognitive function and reduce stress; you can create your very own herbal elixir by infusing ashwagandha into warm water or tea, manifesting a harmonious blend that may enhance cognitive resilience.

10. Pomegranate Green Tea

Pomegranate, rich in antioxidants, can be paired with green tea for a flavorful combination that supports cognitive brilliance; this antioxidant fusion not only provides a refreshing taste, but may also contribute to improved memory function.

11. Oat Milk Latte with Maca

Oat milk, known for its nutrient content, combined with maca, an adaptogenic root, creates a latte that supports overall brain vitality; enjoy the richness of this nutrient-packed beverage to fuel your day with sustained cognitive energy.

12. Passionflower Tea

Passionflower tea, recognized for its calming properties, can be a tranquil tonic that supports relaxation, and potentially aids in memory recall; sip on this soothing tea to unwind and give your memory a gentle boost.

13. Rosemary Lemonade

Rosemary has been linked to improved cognitive performance, and when paired with the refreshing zest of lemonade, it becomes a delightful elixir for mental clarity; try infusing rosemary into your homemade lemonade for a tasty, memory-enhancing treat.

14. Walnut Milk Smoothie

Walnuts are a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for brain health. Blend walnut milk into a smoothie with brain-friendly ingredients for a delightful beverage that not only tastes great but also supports cognitive agility.

15. Beetroot Juice

Nitrate-rich beetroot juice has shown promise when it comes to enhancing blood flow to the brain, which, in turn, supports cognitive functions, including memory; incorporating this vibrant elixir into your daily regimen is a shrewd strategy to harness its potential benefits for a sharper mind.

16. Coconut Water

Dehydration can impair cognitive performance, and coconut water emerges as a natural hydrator packed with nutrients; maintaining optimal hydration levels is crucial for supporting overall brain function, making coconut water a delicious and effective choice for cognitive excellence.

17. Dark Hot Chocolate

Indulge in the richness of dark chocolate, which contains flavonoids associated with cognitive improvement, including memory enhancement; you can transform your hot chocolate into a brain-boosting elixir by choosing dark chocolate with high cocoa content for a delightful treat that nourishes both your body and mind.

18. Fish Oil-infused Smoothies

Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fish oil, play a vital role in maintaining brain health; you could even enhance your smoothies by incorporating fish oil - alongside other brain-friendly ingredients - for a tasty, nutritious elixir that supports cognitive vitality.

19. Pumpkin Seed Milk

Pumpkin seeds are a treasure trove of magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper - all essential nutrients for optimal brain function; try elevating your morning latte or smoothie by using pumpkin seed milk as a base, for a delicious way to promote cognitive wellness.

20. Sage Tea

Sage, historically recognized for its memory-boosting properties, can be brewed into a soothing tea; sip on a cup of sage tea, anytime the mood takes you, to enjoy its aromatic essence while potentially reaping cognitive benefits.

21. Matcha Latte

Derived from powdered green tea leaves, matcha combines antioxidants with a gentle dose of caffeine. The synergy of L-theanine and caffeine in matcha has been shown to improve attention and memory. Transform your morning routine with a matcha latte for sustained cognitive agility throughout the day.

Here’s to a Sharper Mind

As we explore the world of brain-boosting beverages, it's crucial to remember that true cognitive health stems from a truly holistic approach; while these beverages certainly hold promise in enhancing memory, they surely work best when complemented by a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. Before making significant changes to your routine, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional; here's to a sharper mind and a future filled with cognitive brilliance!

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Pro Soccer Performance Linked to Visual Tracking Speed

February 16, 2024

Discover how NeuroTracker provides a window into the athletic brain of soccer players.

A new study with professional soccer players in Greece aimed to investigate whether neuromotor training could accelerate football-specific decision-making outcomes across two competition seasons. It focused on the relationship between visual tracking speeds (VTS) and football-specific performance measures. Here we will cover a summary of the study.

What Was Studied

The NeuroTracker task: tracking 4 targets moving dynamically in 3D space at high speeds

The study included 11 professional football players (5 offense players, 6 defense players) from two major Super League football clubs. The offense players had an average age of 26.8 years, while the defense players had an average age of 23.2 years.

Visual tracking speed was assessed via NeuroTracker, with players completing one core session consisting of 20 trials. Football-specific performance measures were collected using the Wyscout analytics platform, including actions when:-
· Team is winning/losing

· Actions with/without a yellow card

· Dribbles

· Through passes

· Forward passes

· Assists

Rigorous statistical analysis methods were used to compare variables between seasons. Effect sizes were calculated to determine the magnitude of differences.

What Was Found

The study found significant improvements in most variables in the second season compared to the first season. Specifically, there were significant increases in actions when team is winning/losing, total actionswithout a yellow card, through passes, forward passes, and assists.

The study findings suggest that visual tracking speed (VTS) plays a crucial role in evaluating football players, as it reflects their ability to monitor multiple objects in a dynamic environment, enabling quicker responses to game demands. Despite the study's preliminary nature, the results indicate a meaningful link between higher VTS and better performance in ball control measures, highlighting the importance of assessing players' cognitive capabilities for team success in recruitment and strategic planning.

Takeaways

The results suggest that NeuroTracker baseline measures are significantly related to football players' ability to perceive and respond to stimuli on the field. Enhanced tracking capability may lead to improved game-related measures of performance, particularly in ball control.

The study suggests that neuromotor training based around increasing visual tracking speed could be beneficial for football players, which would be a practical method for football clubs and academies to integrate into their player development programs to enhance decision making skills and improve the quality of talent produced.

The findings could also have implications for other teamsports, such as basketball, hockey, and rugby, where quick decision making and spatial awareness are crucial.

Study Reference

Does neuromotor training accelerate football-specific decision making outcomes in professional football players over two seasons? (open-access paper)

Georgios Kakavas, Nikolaos Malliaropoulos, MichailMitrotasios, Orestis Christofilakis, Florian Forelli, Panagiotis Tsaklis. Published in Sport Performance and Science Reports.

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How Your Mouth Microbiome Shapes Your Health and Mind

February 10, 2024

Learn how research is revealing the surprisingly wide influences on your oral microbiota.

The human body is an intricate ecosystem, comprising trillions of microorganisms that play crucial roles in our health and well-being. Among these, the mouth microbiome stands out as a dynamic community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses residing in our oral cavity. While traditionally associated with oral health, emerging research suggests that the mouth microbiome may exert far-reaching effects beyond the confines of our mouths, even influencing the complex workings of the brain.

Understanding the Mouth Microbiome

At first glance, the mouth might seem like a simple gateway for food intake and communication. However, it is a bustling ecosystem teeming with microbial life. These microorganisms form intricate communities that interact with each other and with the host environment.

The balance of this ecosystem is crucial for maintaining oral health, as disruptions can lead to conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Recent scientific discoveries have illuminated the profound connections between oral health and overall well-being. Studies have linked poor oral health to an increased risk of systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

This has sparked interest in exploring the mechanisms through which the mouth microbiome influences distant parts of the body, including the brain.

The Mouth-Brain Axis

While the notion of a "gut-brain axis" has garnered considerable attention in recent years, researchers are now turning their gaze toward the potential role of what is scientifically termed the "Oral-Microbiome-Brain Axis" in shaping neurological health.

‍Emerging evidence suggests that the mouth microbiome may communicate with the brain through various pathways, including the bloodstream, the vagus nerve, and the immune system. These pathways can allow mouth microbes to influence microbial and metabolite escape, neuroinflammation, central nervous system signaling, and neurohormone responses.

Implications for Brain Health

Preliminary studies have revealed intriguing associations between the mouth microbiome and neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and even mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

While the exact mechanisms underlying these connections remain elusive, researchers hypothesize that inflammation, microbial metabolites, and neural signaling pathways may play key roles.

Takeaways

The mouth is now understood to be not merely a gateway to the body, but a central player in the intricate web of health and disease. The young but fast-growing field of microbiome research adds even greater complexity to the understanding of human health and disease. However, research may also lead to new therapeutic targets for neurological disorders as well reveal practical ways to manage our mouth microbiota directly promote brain health. For example this could include oral probiotic toothpastes to promote healthy microbiota.

By nurturing a diverse and balanced oral microbiome, we may not only safeguard our oral health but also promote overall well-being. As research continues it is likely wise to prioritize good oral hygiene practices. You can also check if your dentist specializes in periodontal cleaning to reduce the risk of factors such as gum disease.

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The Effects of Addiction on Cognitive Functions

Guest Writers

February 1, 2024

Learn how cognition and addiction have a bidirectional interplay.

Addiction is a complex illness that profoundly affects many facets of a person's life. One of the most important areas where addiction affects people is cognitive function. It is necessary to comprehend the complex interaction between addiction and cognitive function to create treatment plans that support long-term recovery. Often known as a substance use disease, addiction is a chronic, relapsing illness marked by obsessive drug seeking, prolonged drug use despite negative effects, and brain abnormalities that take time to heal. The brain's reward system is involved in the addictive cycle, which reinforces drug-using behaviors.

The Relationship between Addiction and Cognitive Function

A variety of mental processes, such as executive, memory, and attention, are included in cognitive function. These mental skills are essential for daily operations, decision-making, and well-being. Addiction that impairs cognitive function can cause many problems in several spheres of life.

There is a correlation between addiction and cognitive performance. Substance misuse can aggravate pre-existing mental abnormalities, and cognitive deficits may make it easier for addiction to start and persist. Rehab and successful intervention depend on an awareness of this dynamic interaction.

The Neurobiology of Addiction

Substance addiction causes major damage to the brain. Drugs and alcohol have an impact on neurotransmitter levels, particularly dopamine, which is crucial for the brain's reward system. The brain's structural changes brought about by long-term drug addiction affect the areas responsible for memory, learning, and decision-making.

A rise in drug cravings is caused by neurotransmitter level changes that upset the delicate equilibrium in the brain. This need adds to the cyclical nature of addiction, along with compromised cognitive function.

Brain areas linked to cognitive function and neural network functionality are impacted by addiction in terms of their form and structure. It is possible that these alterations will continue long after substance use stops, which emphasizes the long-term effects of addiction on brain circuitry.

Cognitive Functions Affected by Addiction

· Attention and Concentration

Focus and consistent mental effort are necessary for the fundamental cognitive processes of attention and concentration. Addiction frequently causes attention deficits, which make it difficult for sufferers to focus on daily tasks. Attention is diverted, and challenges in sustaining focus result from the ongoing obsession with obtaining and abusing substances.

Apart from this, impulsive behavior is another sign of addiction that makes it harder for a person to focus. Addiction-related impulsive behavior can exacerbate attention deficits and cause disruptions to daily activities.

· Memory

Addiction can affect both the short- and long-term processes that makeup memory.

Individuals with substance use disorders frequently experience problems in their short-term memory. Abuse of alcohol and other drugs can cause rapid harm to the brain, causing problems with memory recall and storage. It can cause forgetfulness and make it harder to remember things you've recently learned.

An essential additional cognitive effect of addiction is long-term memory degradation. A key part of the brain involved in forming long-term memories is the hippocampal formation, which is affected by long-term substance use. It gets more difficult for people to learn from the consequences of their actions since they may require assistance recalling past experiences and occurrences.

· Executive Functions

Setting and making decisions can be hampered by addiction, which perpetuates the cycle of substance usage. Defective impulse control and poor decision-making are common side effects of addiction, leading to risky and impulsive conduct. The ability to adapt cognitively to new settings is reportedly compromised in people with executive function problems, which can impede the kind of constructive behavioral changes that are vital for healing.

Dual Diagnosis: Mental Health and Addiction

The relationship between mental health and addiction is intricate, and the co-occurrence of both conditions, known as dual diagnosis or comorbidity, is common. Mental health disorders can both contribute to the development of addiction and be exacerbated by substance abuse.

The interplay between addiction and mental health further intensifies cognitive issues. Individuals with dual diagnosis often experience more severe cognitive impairments, making treatment more challenging. Enough healing and cognitive improvement require addressing both the addiction and associated mental health concerns.

Recovery and Cognitive Improvement

It has long been believed that addiction causes lasting harm to the brain. Still, new research indicates that the brain is remarkably malleable and can experience good changes in response to therapy and abstinence.

Cognitive recovery is greatly aided by therapy and rehabilitation. It has shown promise that individuals in cognitive rehabilitation programs—which focus on improving specific mental processes—can restore cognitive abilities that have been compromised by addiction.

Patients' general cognitive performance is improved by an all-encompassing therapeutic approach involving counseling, support groups, and lifestyle changes. Healthy lifestyle choices like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep support rehab-related mental healing.

Prevention Strategies

A comprehensive strategy addressing risk factors and fostering protective variables is needed to prevent addiction-related cognitive deficits.

· Early Intervention and Education

Preventing the cognitive deterioration associated with addiction requires early intervention. Prevention-focused educational programs regarding substance misuse are offered in communities and schools; they educate people about the psychological effects of addiction and provide them with the information they need to make wise decisions.

· Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Addiction's detrimental effects on cognitive function must be lessened by promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly all support resilience and general brain health, which lowers the risk of substance abuse-related cognitive impairments.

· Community-Based Programs

For those who are at risk of addiction or who are already battling it, community-based programs like support groups and outreach projects help them feel supported and like they belong. These programs offer tools, motivation, and a network of people going through comparable struggles to support prevention and recovery.

Conclusion

To summarize, there are many facets to the impact of addiction on cognitive function, necessitating thorough knowledge and focused therapies. People can achieve mental recovery and reclaim a happy life outside of the grip of addiction with the help of early intervention, rehabilitation, and continuous support. Understanding the value of preventative measures highlights our shared need to build a culture that promotes and safeguards cognitive well-being even more.

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The Complex Interplay Between the Heart and the Brain

January 26, 2024

Discover some of the fascinating new research insights on how the heart and brain are biologically coupled.

The human body is the epitome of a complex interconnected system. Perhaps one of the most fascinating interplays revealed in modern neuroscience is the dynamically entwined relationship between the heart and the brain. Research has shed light on the profound bidirectional influence these vital organs exert on each other, partly redefining our traditional definitions of the roles they play in our biology. Here we will highlight some of the unseen connections between the heart and the brain, revealing how this symbiotic relationship contributes to our overall health and well-being.

The Heart's Silent Symphony

The heart, long considered as merely a pump, has now been revealed to be much more. Recent research suggests that the heart functions more like an orchestra, producing electrical, hormonal, and neurological signals that can directly influence brain activity in feedback loops.

The Heart's Electromagnetic Pulse

The heart generates a powerful electromagnetic field that extends beyond the confines of the body. This field is not only detectable but can also be influenced by our emotional states. Studies have shown that positive emotions, like love and gratitude, lead to a coherent and harmonious heart rhythm pattern, which in turn synchronizes with the brain's electrical activity. This synchronization enhances cognitive function, emotional well-being, and even immune response.

Heart-Brain Communication

The heart communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve, a crucial conduit for the bidirectional exchange of information. Recent findings reveal that the heart sends signals to the amygdala that affect emotional processing and decision-making. These signals can influence our perceptions, reactions to stress, and even our ability to empathize with others.

The Brain's Command and Control

While the heart communicates with the brain, the brain, in turn, exerts its influence over the heart. This bidirectional relationship is a critical component of our body's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain homeostasis.

The Brain's Autonomic Control

The autonomic nervous system, a branch of the central nervous system, plays a pivotal role in regulating the heart's activity. The brain, through its control of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of this system, adjusts heart rate and blood pressure to respond to various situations. Stressful situations activate the sympathetic branch, leading to increased heart rate, while relaxation and rest engage the parasympathetic branch, slowing the heart rate.

Emotional Intelligence and the Brain

The brain is the command center for emotional intelligence. Recent neuroimaging studies have revealed that the brain's emotional processing centers, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, interact closely with the heart. Emotions, ranging from fear and anger to love and joy, produce distinct patterns of brain activity that are mirrored in the heart's responses. This connection between emotions and heart activity underscores the brain's pivotal role in shaping our emotional experiences.

The Heart-Brain Feedback Loop

The heart and brain's dynamic interplay is not limited to one-way communication; it is a continuous feedback loop, with each organ influencing and responding to the other.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the variation in the time intervals between consecutive heartbeats. High HRV is associated with adaptability and resilience, as it reflects the heart's ability to respond to changing demands. Studies have shown that individuals with higher HRV tend to exhibit better cognitive function, emotional regulation, and stress resilience. This phenomenon highlights how the heart's activity can shape the brain's function and overall well-being.

Neurofeedback and Heart Coherence

Research into neurofeedback techniques has revealed that individuals can learn to consciously influence their heart rate variability, resulting in improved cognitive performance and emotional well-being. By cultivating heart coherence through mindfulness and relaxation practices, people can harness the power of this feedback loop to optimize their mental and emotional states.

Stress Management

Chronic stress is a pervasive health concern in modern society, and its effects on the heart and brain are well-documented. However, the bidirectional nature of the heart-brain connection suggests that managing stress can be approached from both ends. Techniques that promote heart coherence, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help mitigate the negative impact of stress on both organs.

Emotional Resilience

Developing emotional resilience is beneficial for maintaining mental health. By recognizing and regulating emotional responses, individuals can create a positive feedback loop between the heart and brain, fostering emotional balance and resilience.

Takeaways

The latest scientific discoveries have opened up some of the intricate and bidirectional relationships between the heart and the brain. These vital organs communicate through electromagnetic signals, neural pathways, and hormonal messages, influencing our emotional well-being, cognitive function, and overall health. Recognizing the profound interplay between the heart and brain provides new options for managing our mental and emotional states, but there is still likely much more to discover.

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Neurotechnologies for Brain Health and Wellness in the Digital Age

January 18, 2024

Discover the role off-the-shelf neurotech has to play in our 21st century lives.

In today's digital era, technology plays an integral role in our daily lives. From smartphones to wearable devices, we are constantly surrounded by a sea of technology. While this technological revolution has undoubtedly improved various aspects of our lives, it has also raised concerns about its impact on brain health and cognitive performance. Here we will cover some insights of 4 key neurotechnologies currently available, as well explore the potential risks of chronic digital media use and strategies to off-set them.

EEG Headsets and Neurofeedback

Electroencephalography (EEG) headsets are worn on the scalp to measure and record electrical activity in the brain. These headsets can be used to assess attention levels, mental workload, and even emotional states. They are increasingly adopted for cognitive training and brain-computer interface applications.

Neurofeedback systems utilize real-time EEG brainwave data to train individuals to regulate their brain activity. By providing feedback on brain states, these systems can enhance cognitive abilities such as attention and focus.

Typically, they involve efforts to regulate brainwaves into states associated with more focus or calmness, with visualizations or simple games which indicate how successfully brainwaves are changing in the moment.

The goal is to learn awareness of these preferred mind states and to be able to get into them on demand, for instance when they are helpful in dealing with challenging or stressful real-world situations. DIY apps and headsets allow individuals to practice this method independently, with Muse being one of the most popular options on the market.

However, Neurofeedback has also become a go-to tool for many clinical professionals working with patients in mental health and wellness domains, who typically used more sophisticated techniques, often in conjunction with other therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

HRV Biofeedback

HeartMath is an example a biofeedback product that helps individuals tap into the power and intelligence of their heart to manage stress and improve well-being.

HRV (Heart Rate Variability) is the variation in time between heartbeats, and it reflects the body's ability to adapt to changing conditions, as well as providing indications of psychological status, including measuring flow states.

HeartMath's HRV biofeedback techniques allow users to measure and monitor their short-term HRV, providing real-time feedback on their heart rhythm and variability. Through practice, individuals can learn to self-regulate their heart rhythm patterns and attain a state of coherence, which is a state of optimal physiological functioning and emotional balance. This is done through training techniques such as heart-focused breathing, positive emotional focus, and fostering appreciation or gratitude.

Wearables for Sleep Monitoring

‘Wearables’ are small sensing devices which are usually paired with smartphones. In terms of brain health they are most commonly used for sleep monitoring, providing individuals with insights into their sleep quality and patterns. These devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches worn on the body, utilize various sensors and technologies to track sleep-related data1.

By gathering data on movement and activity throughout the night, sleep duration and quality can be estimated on a daily basis and tracked over time. Some devices also include additional features like heart rate monitoring and pulse oximetry to provide more detailed information on sleep stages and oxygen levels during sleep.

One popular example of a wearable for sleep monitoring is Fitbit (now owned by Google). This devices use a combination of accelerometer data and heart rate monitoring to provide insights into sleep patterns, giving personalized sleep scores and recommendations on better sleep habits.

By using wearables for sleep monitoring, individuals can gain a better understanding of their sleep patterns and make informed decisions to improve their sleep quality and overall well-being. However, the downside may be overthinking sleep or a tendency towards obsessive monitoring, potentially hindering some of the benefits.

Cognitive Training

NeuroTracker is an example of a neurotechnology with wide scientific validation for its efficacy in measuring and improving cognitive performance with training. It involves performing a multiple object tracking task in stereo 3D, which takes 6-minutes to complete.

Over 100 independently published research papers have demonstrated its effectiveness for improving high-level cognitive functions, as well as real-world performance. The research spans low-functioning populations with neurodevelopmental or cognitive impairment issues, through to high-performance domains such as elite sports, professional Esports, fighter pilots and military special forces.

Collectively NeuroTracker research shows that 6-minutes training provides a sensitive measure of cognitive status, even predicting daily work performance, and that 3 hours of distributed training produces significant and measurable gains in cognitive performance.

Social Media and Screen Time - Friend or Foe?

The widespread use of digital devices and social media platforms has become an integral part of modern life. From computer gaming to smartphone use and social media, highly interactive digital medias have become wildly popular, yet at the same time which have been associated with compulsive behaviors and decreases in mental wellness. Here are some of the concerns which emerged regarding their impact on brain health and cognitive performance.

Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by digital screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Prolonged exposure to screens before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to reductions in cognitive performance and overall well-being.

Social Media and Mental Health: While social media allows us to connect with others and share experiences, excessive use has been linked to negative impacts on mental health along with a reduction of in-person social activities. Research has found strong links between heavy social media usage and increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness, which in turn can affect cognitive functioning.

Attention and Cognitive Control: The constant influx of notifications, messages, and scrolling through social media feeds can lead to reduced attention spans and difficulties in maintaining cognitive control. Research suggests that excessive screen time can impair attention and cognitive performance, particularly in tasks requiring sustained focus.

On the flip side the digital age has very much taken hold in most people’s lives for many positive reasons, and with the dramatic rise of AI it is certainly here to stay. To find a balance, digital well-being strategies have come to the foreground, such as setting screen time limits, practicing mindful technology use, and engaging in regular offline activities.

Similarly, the concept of digital detox has emerged. This involves taking frequent short breaks from digital media, increased focus on in-person social activities such as playing sports, or extended breaks through digital detox retreats and spending quality time in natural environments.

The key factor here is providing the brain and mind some respite to allow for cognitive restoration from chronic exposure to digital media. In this light, the neurotechnologies mentioned above may also play a useful role in off-setting or helping to monitor and manage some of the side effects of our digitally focused lifestyles.

Takeaways

As well as the potential risks associated with excessive technology use, there also are many benefits to be gained from the rise of technologies designed to optimize brain health and performance.

Neurotechnologies and validated cognitive training apps offer opportunities for individuals to engage in brain-stimulating activities to enhance cognitive performance and adapt our behaviors for better overall wellness in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve and pervade our lives at an ever-increasing pace, finding this balance between the pros and cons of technology will only become more important.

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NeuroTracker Validated as a Research-Grade Tool for Home Use

January 6, 2024

New research shows that NeuroTrackerX home-based use is at par with supervised training in a lab.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a group of neuroscientists at the University of Victoria decided to investigate if NeuroTrackerX could uphold the standards of the lab version used in their many years of research. As well as doing a feasibility study they also wanted to test the potential for remote clinical use for the assessment and rehabilitation of neurological impairments, such as concussions. Here we will look at a summary of the key findings.

The Advantages of Remote Research

Aside from the challenges that lockdowns placed research assessing brain health and performance, remote research offers the possibility of studies with much larger numbers of participants and at greatly reduced cost. Having more participants increases the statistical reliability of findings, as well as allowing a broader range of populations and health conditions to be included in a single study for comparative analyses. It also makes participating in research studies much more accessible, affording more efficient recruitment as well as removing geographical restrictions.

The research team also noted prior research indicating NeuroTracker's promising potential as therapeutic tool for brain injury survivors, and accordingly wanted to assess it's practicality as a telehealth solution.

What Was Studied

Specifically the team sought to test if the setup of the home-based version would produce variations inresults from the lab-based version. The key differences between them being the size of the display and the method used to stimulate the binocular stereo 3D required for the NeuroTracker exercise.

To do this they performed a head-to-head comparision study of two groups of participants performing 3 NeuroTracker sessions, two days per week, for 4–5 weeks. One group performed the training program in the lab, while the other group undertook a home-based program.

Both groups were volunteer participants, and were equal in age (av. 50 years old), cognitive health and gender distribution.

The lab setup used an active 3D system with a 52-inch 3DTV. This method utilizes specialized shutter glasses, which flicker from opaque to transparent 60 times per second, alternating between each eye. The shutter glasses are precisely synchronized with the 3DTV display, effectively allowing a rapid stream of different images to be delivered to each eye.

The home based setup used anaglyph 3D glasses, which separates a single stream of images via color filtering. This is done through lenses specially calibrated to the NeuroTrackerX software's video rendering. The key advantage is that stereo 3D can be achieved on an everyday computer or TV display, without the need for any specialized hardware. All at-home participants trained on a computer with a 22 inch monitor provided by the researchers.

For both groups clear instructions were provided on how to perform the training, including sitting the correct distance away from the 3DTV or computer screen so that the same field of view was achieved. However a key difference was that the lab group was supervised in person, while the home group performed the training unsupervised.

What Was Found

A feasibility assessment found volunteer participants had exceptionally high recruitment and retention rates. Specifically for the remote users, questionnaire assessments showed a high ease of use of the program, and training data established a 90% adherence rate for independently completing the 4-5 week program. The 10% of sessions which weren't completed included participants who had health issues, such as requiring surgery, or significant time constraints.

Both groups' training data was analyzed for individual session scores, learning rates between sessions, and overall improvement.

Averaged group scores - blue line: lab group, orange line: home group

Other than a slightly higher starting point for the lab group, multiple statistical analysis methods found that performance in both groups was close to identical, with 95% confidence intervals.

In conclusion the researchers stated.

''NeuroTrackerX is a feasible method of at-home cognitive training for research. Under these conditions, this research suggests that the at-home version offers a very similar training environment as the in-lab version and can be used for research purposes.''

The study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Strategy for Patient Oriented Research, a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant and a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Canada Graduate Scholarship.

The open-access study can be read here.

A Protocol for Remote Cognitive Training Developed for Use in Clinical Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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9 Fascinating Neuroscience Breakthroughs in 2023

December 21, 2023

Highlights of neuroscience breakthroughs which have shaped new understandings of the human brain.

Neuroscience is not only one of the fastest progressing fields of science, it is also one of the most diverse. 2023 saw research accelerating in many fascinating across a broad spectrum of disciplines. Here are some highlights of breakthroughs which promise to shape our understanding of the human brain and of the world we use it to interact with.

1. Electrical Brain Activity can Restructure Neurons

Traditionally we think of the electrical activity of the brain as downstream from the neurons that produce them via signaling firing. However, a new paper by John Hopkins and MIT neuroscientists proposes a theory that these electrical signals can actually restructure the brain down to the sub-cellular level.

Dubbed 'Cytoelectric Coupling', the theory proposes that the brain’s electrical fields, created by neural network activity, can influence the physical configuration of neurons’ sub-cellular components to optimize network stability and efficiency.

This builds upon earlier studies that showed how rhythmic electrical activity or ‘brain waves’ in neural networks, and the influence of electric fields at the molecular level, can coordinate and adjust the brain’s functions.

This type of electrically induced neuroplasticity at the microtubule and molecular level provides another avenue for understanding why human cognition is so incredibly flexible.

The mechanisms outlined for how this is achieved include electrodiffusion, mechanotransduction, and exchanges between electrical, potential and chemical energy.

As the lead researcher summarized,“𝘼𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙, 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙣𝙚𝙪𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨. 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙪𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙨’ 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙮.”

Earlier this year quantum entanglement was discovered to be linked to higher order cognition, and it seems like these types of new paradigms that look beyond the level of neurons may be key to progressing neuroscience to the next level.

𝗖𝘆𝘁𝗼𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗽𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 “𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗲” 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻’𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

2. Leveraging Quantum Biological Tunneling in Brain Cells

A paper published in Nature Nanotechnology suggests a new health treatment paradigm via manipulation of quantum biological tunneling in brain cells to treat glioblastoma cancer.

The researchers developed their technique based on prior evidence that quantum mechanical events play a crucial role in specific biological processes that underlie the functioning of organisms. The method involves delivering gold bipolar nanoelectrodes (termed bio-nanoantennae) sprayed onto a surgical treatment section.

A precise electrical field is then applied which specifically targets and stimulates the electric fields of individual tumor cells. This causes a single electron to be transferred via manipulation of electron tunneling, which alters the cell's protein state - a phenomenon known as Quantum Biological Electron Transfer (QBET).

This in turn signals the cancer cells to activate programmed cell death (apoptosis). Normal brain cells are desensitive to the electical stimulation, whereas tumor cells are extra sensitive (which the researchers postulate is due to their altered expression of genetic pathways).

Effectively this represents a wireless electrical–molecular communication tool that facilitates the killing of cancer cells. The approach is minimally invasive compared to traditional surgery, and can be used when surgery is not an option due to tumor cells being too proliferated among healthy cells.

The researchers propose that varying aspects of the electrical frequencies and voltage of the stimulation will allow different types of cancer cells to be targeted.

While the delivery method of the bio-nanoantennae to facilitate the electrical stimulation may have some limitations, this research appears to be the first demonstration of a quantum medical therapy that leverages changes in the biology of cells at a quantum level.

Though it may still be early days, study author Frankie Rawson summarized the wider significance of the findings.

“𝑨𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕-𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒎 𝒎𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅'𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒚, 𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒎𝒔”

𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹–𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀

3. Using Smell as a Passive Cognitive Enhancer

A new study exploring the potential benefits of cognitive stimulation via the sense of smell reveals promising findings for functional brain benefits in aging - while sleeping!

The primary objective of the study was to investigate whether olfactory enrichment could positively impact cognitive function in healthy older adults. The researchers hypothesized that olfaction's unique access to brain regions related to memory could normalize specific memory circuits, potentially benefiting cognitive abilities.

Despite exposing participants to only a limited variety of odors during nightly sessions, the study yielded compelling results. Enriched participants exhibited a 226% improvement in performance on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (compared to a control group), which assesses verbal learning and memory related abilities.

More specifically pre-post DTI fRMI scans uncovered structural modifications in the brain, including positive changes in the uncinate fasciculus region, which typically deteriorates in aging and neurodegenerative conditions.

The study also revealed that smell stimulated participants between 60-72 years old experienced more pronounced cognitive improvements than their older counterparts, suggesting the benefits in aging may be best achieved proactively.

The key takeaway is that it may be possible to safely and accessibly improve brain health and cognitive functioning in ways that are relevant for aging populations, by leveraging passive sensory stimulation.

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀

4. StimNETS - a Breakthrough in Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation has shown much therapeutic promise, but significant barriers include the invasive nature of the implanted electrodes, as well as their lack of precision over what neurons they excite. A major breakthrough has been published in Cell Reports, with the engineering of ultraflexible stim-nanoelectronic threads (StimNETs).

This new type of electrodes are an order of magnitude smaller than traditional implants, and accordingly, far more precise. The paper shows experimental evidence in rats and first stage human trials that StimNETs possess several key advantages.

• Ultraflexible electrode capable of precise chronic stimulation

• Spatially selective neural activation at a ultra low currents

• Stable behavioral detectability for over 8 months

• Intact tissue-electrode interface with no neuronal degeneration

In particular, rather than activating large clusters of neurons, StimNETs can selectively stimulate individual neurons. This is a little bit like needing to get a message to a person in a crowded room, and being able to do it via a phone call instead of a loudspeaker.

As well as showing great promise for making deep brain stimulation practical, the selective precision of this neurotech will allow researchers to learn much more accurately which types of electrical stimulation are helpful for specific neurological conditions.

𝗟𝗼𝘄-𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱, 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗰𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗲𝘀

In a related 2023 neuroscience breakthrough, for the first time deep brain stimulation has demonstrated promising effects for alleviating the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. To be efficacous pinpoint precision of the placement of electrodes is required, and it is difficult know exactly which areas of the brain to focus the stimulation on with different brain diseases.

Research affiliates of Harvard Medical School specialized in analyzing high-resolution magnetic resonance images of the brain, combined their approach with computer models which successfully identified precise optimal locations for stimulation. This precise 'sweet spot' between intersecting memory regions resulted in participants benefitting considerable reductions in symptoms.

Further clinical studies are needed before DBS can be approved for treatment, but the publicly available data in the study now makes it possible for researchers to place electrodes with precision in neurosurgical studies trialing DBS in Alzheimer’s patients.

𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘅 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝘇𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲

5. Merging Tardigrade Genes into Human Cells Via CRISPR

A team of military medical scientists in China reported findings of successfully used CRISPR/Cas9 to insert a gene from tardigrades into human embryonic stem cells, dramatically increasing their resistance to radiation.

The tardigrade (AKA water bear) is less than 1 millimetre long and is the hardiest creature on Earth. Over years of scientific testing, it has survived outer space, -200 degrees Celsius, and more than an hour in boiling water.

The researchers reported that almost 90% of the human embryonic cells survived a lethal exposure to X-ray radiation. The results are very surprising, given that mixing between such a large genetic gap typically leads to only harmful mutations, and potentially demonstrates the power of CRISPR to go beyond traditional genetic experiments.

Although technically legal through the use of artificially created stem cells, the research is also highly controversial - the long term goal is to develop super-tough soldiers who could survive nuclear fallout. One of the team's future projects is to turn the tardigrade infused cells into blood-making cells, so they can be inserted into bone marrow to generate new radiation resistance cells.

On the flip side, the tardigrade's genes could bring other benefits to humans as well, such as playing a protective role in cellular DNA against oxidative stress, which is central to the development of many diseases, including cancer, aging, diabetes, inflammation, and Parkinson’s disease.

Scientists Put Tardigrade DNA Into Human Stem Cells

6. Deep Learning Techniques Dramatically Increase the Resolution of MRI Scans

A team of researchers at Osaka University has developed a groundbreaking technique that can create super-resolution images of cells and tissues using artificial intelligence (AI). The team used Stable Diffusion to analyse the brain scans of test subjects shown up to 10,000 images while inside an MRI machine.

The new method, called "Deep-Z," uses deep learning algorithms to extract detailed information from low-resolution images, enabling the creation of high-resolution images with more accurate details.

This breakthrough technology has significant implications for biomedical research, as it allows scientists to study cells and tissues at an unprecedented level of detail. The team tested their method on various types of cells and tissues, including those from the brain, retina, and lung, and achieved results that were superior to existing techniques.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Deep-Z method is its potential for use in medical diagnosis and treatment. By producing high-resolution images of cells and tissues, doctors could potentially identify early-stage diseases and develop more targeted treatment plans.

This framework could also be used with brain-scanning devices other than MRI, such as EEG, or hyper-invasive technologies like the brain-computer implants being developed by Elon Musk’s Neuralink.

Overall, the Deep-Z technique is a significant step forward in the field of biomedical imaging and has the potential to revolutionize medical research and treatment.

High-Resolution Image Reconstruction With Latent Diffusion Models From Human Brain Activity

7. Xenobots?!

This year a team of biologists and computer scientists have developed self-healing biological machines less than 1mm in size, crafted from frog cells. These machines are named 'Xenobots', inspired by the minuscule African clawed frog, which is small enough to travel inside human bodies.

The technique involves scraping and then incubating living stem cells from frog embryos, then reshaping them into specific body forms designed by machine intelligence. Cell differentiation leads to the formation of celia, hairlight projections which are utilized like legs to provide a biologically novel method of locomotion.

It's still early days, but Xenobots are the world's first living robot that is also programmable. Recent progress has also included being able to replicate them to make the process more scalable.

Some of the expected applications of Xenobots include highly specific and precise drug delivery, treatment of localized diseases such as the removal of cancer tumors, and even a scalable means to clean the world’s seas of plastics and synthetic particulates.

For a deeper dive, here is a video explanation by Sam Kriegman, a post-doctoral fellow developing AI software to guide Xenobots' behaviors.

8. First Successful Treatment of PTSD with MDMA Assisted Therapy

In recent years, the scientific community has been increasingly drawn to the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances. Among these, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly known as ecstasy, has emerged as a promising candidate for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a groundbreaking clinical study published in Nature Medicine, researchers have unveiled compelling evidence that suggests MDMA-assisted psychotherapy could be a game-changer in the field of PTSD treatment.

The Phase 3 clinical trial involved giving patients with treatment resistant PTSD months of traditional psychotherapy assisted with moderate doses of MDMA. The MDMA more than doubled the effectiveness of the psychotherapy treatments, with the majority of patients becoming symptom free as well as showing continued improvements in wellbeing in the follow-up to the study.

The results overall suggest that MDMA related alterations in cognitive functions grossly enhanced the benefits of psychological therapy, both in terms of responsiveness and lasting positive effects.

MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study

9. VR Reveals The Brain's Remarkably Flexible Sense of Body Ownership

Psychophysics is a field of neuroscience devoted to understanding how the human brain processes its sensory reality. Two of the biggest and most surprising discoveries of 2023 were achieved with virtual reality (VR) experiments.

The first study discovered a new experiential phenomenon named 'The Phantom Touch Illusion'. This used simple avatar representations of people within VR then asked participants to touch different parts of their avatar's body with a virtual stick. In the experiment participants were not actually touched on any parts of their physical body, however almost all reported strong tactile feelings corresponding to where they touched their avatar. The effects were strong enough that some of the people in the study believing the researchers were trying to trick them and were actually using some form of real tactile stimulation.

Most strikingly, the sensations occurred when subjects touched parts of their avatars limbs even when they couldn't actually see them in VR. This suggests that the representation of one's body is defined top-down, extending beyond available sensory information.

Phantom touch illusion, an unexpected phenomenological effect of tactile gating in the absence of tactile stimulation

The second study by Swedish psychophysicists conducted VR experiments demonstrating that, even with minimal sensory cues, our minds can take over ownership of a different body.

Using VR they manipulated study participants' visual perspective to be from a another person, or a fake body. This was done in sync with correlated multisensory cues. The experiment was sufficient to trigger the illusion that another person's body,or an artificial body, was the participants’ own real body.

In the researchers' own words, ''𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻'𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘁. 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝗻𝗲'𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆.''

These effects were confirmed through both structured subjective reports and detailed biometric analysis.

‍If I Were You: Perceptual Illusion of Body Swapping

Together these findings are valuable scientific insights regarding how our brains make sense of our worlds, however they also have large implications for the rapidly growing VR entertainment industry, promising new ways to achieve next-level immersive experiences.

‍

Experts Corner

Eric Tobon

December 14, 2023

Going From Strength to Strength with Cognitive Training

Discover the fascinating story of a group of Montreal enterpreneurs taking cognitive training to the next level.

Here I’d like to share our PAC Development Center story of using neurotechnologies to improve human performance. We believe there is great untapped potential when applied with an integrated mental training approach. We've discovered broad applications emerging out of our work with athletes.

The Founding of PAC Development Center

The founders of PAC Development Center (myself Eric Tobon, Nancy Poulin and Francois Cloutier)

Our methodology was born out of COVID, starting as a solution for athletes who could no longer get access to gyms and sports facilities. We knew this was particularly challenging for ice hockey players, so we chose this time to launch a company focused on supporting our Canadian national sport.

We founded the PAC Development Center as three entrepreneurs with a passion for sports technology and a love of improving human performance. Between us we have a great spectrum of complementary expertise in domains such as physical training, mental coaching, nutrition, performance preparation and even meditation. We’ve found these synergize really well with some amazing results for improving mind, body and soul.

Training Like a Pro

Focused on innovative performance solutions we were the first company in Quebec to implement a cognitive training platform called Sense Arena, which we thought was ahead of its time and a nice way to build up skills of the mental side of the game.

That was three years ago. Now the technology is an official cognitive platform for the National Hockey League and as well as Hockey USA, which is great validation that we started out on the right track. It also became a motivational bonus for the young athletes we focused on, knowing they training like pro athletes at the highest levels.

At the same time, although it was great to establish this type training for hockey players, we wanted to expand our services for other sports, as well as the general population.

Discovering 3D Multiple Object Tracking

For this reason we did global research into other cognitive platforms anywhere there might be a potential fit. Throughout this search the neurotechnology that kept showing up and came across as the most trusted was NeuroTracker.

So we started digging into what the benefits are and who can use it, and for us it checked lots of boxes like scientific validation. So it was total ‘Yes let's do it!’

In Quebec we have a special kind of pride, so we love how NeuroTracker is an innovation born out of Montreal - the best cognitive platform in the world right on our doorstep!

Putting NeuroTracker to Use

We first implemented this neurotechnology with Atanukan student athletes in Manikanetish School. We had an ongoing sports contract and put NeuroTracker through it paces with ice hockey, volleyball, badminton, track and field, as well as for music. The adoption was a great success, with many athletes making their new cognitive training part of their daily routine.

It was received so well that the school wanted to extend the training program across the whole school to assist with academic performance, and also to get students motivated by giving them access to what the athletes were receiving.

Moving Beyond Sports

We realized athletes are motivated in different ways to teenage students, and in the digital age there is a kind of fast-food culture where what is cool today is forgotten tomorrow. We realized that keeping students motivated like athletes would require going the extra motivational mile.

Our solution to keep them engaged was to bring in a competitive element, so we put on school wide contests on a monthly basis. This wasn’t just about who could get the highest scores, but also for students who achieved the greatest improvements – which is the most important part.

We also wanted it to be inclusive and help commitment, so our idea was to take a lottery style approach. In this way students earned tickets with a chance to win based on how many sessions they complete – the more training completed, the better the chances.

Fortunately a Quebec mining company loved our work and kindly sponsored our competition. This allowed us to award attractive prizes like $125 gift certificates.

Lastly we used social media to highlight our top 5 students' successes each week to give them a morale boost.

From Success to Success

The program went from success to success, and the impact on the school was very positive. The students were happy and the teachers reported clear differences in student focus from the training effects. Their students were more calm in class, more focused, and the students themselves also felt a real benefit from what they were doing, alongside seeing their NeuroTracker performance go up and up.

Also it was noticed that there were benefits for the students specifically after completing NeuroTracker sessions, with more focus, less fatigue and better concentration.

The wonderful thing about these results is that it impressed the mining company, who saw all the positive feedback and are keen to keep sponsoring the program. This is allowing us to extend the program to three other schools in the community.

Upwards and Onwards

With a successful track record it becomes easier to now venture into new domains, and we have now caught the attention of our local government, who have been impressed with what we’re developing. This includes the evolution and launch of our new app to have our different training systems accessible and monitored in a single ecosystem, as well as being used as an educational platform.

Our goal going forward is to expand our services into industry and government, which is a pretty broad portfolio for cognitive training, but we believe there is a valuable untapped fit. For example we’re in talks with first responders, police officers, and firefighters, who all have to operate under high cognitive loads.

We’re proud that our PAC Development Center started off just a few years ago as a COVID support project, yet is rapidly blossoming and the future looks very positive!

If you’re interesting to learn more about our work then check out our website here.

PAC Development Center

Experts Corner

Abigail Thambiran

December 1, 2023

Why Golf Performance is 90% Mental

A young champion golfer shares insights on why the mental side of the game is so important.

Although I'm only 11 years old, I've been playing golf competitively for over 6 years. This has been in a way that focuses on the mental side of the sport. Here I'd like to cover what I've learned through sports psychology and using neurotechnology, and that golf is 90% mental. It's possible to train and practice in these areas for better sports performance.

Starting Young

I've been playing since the age of three since my dad got me some golf clubs, so I’ve practicing since I was practically in diapers! My first entry into a golf swing competition was at 4 years old where I came second based on technique analysis for the best Peewee Golf Swing of the world judged by Jack Nicolaus. Then just before 9 years old I entered a team and started to play competitive matches on my home golf course, which was followed by playing for club teams.

My first major success was at six years old when I won the junior African challenge, which was an international event I played. Luckily it was when it was hosted in my home country South Africa for the first time, and I went on to win three years in a row.

I would say that even early on I had a mindset difference to the other players, which I think my father’s mentoring helped to develop at a young age thanks to him learning sports psychology. There is a surprising amount of pressure on the golf course, and so if your mind is not strong, it becomes very difficult to focus and develop as a player.

Sometimes you win, or you sometimes lose and it’s of your control. However, you can still control your emotions like anger or disappointment. There's always bigger tournaments and bigger things in life to look to, so refocusing perspective is all part of the game.

Photo after the Junior African Challenge 2019

For me this also includes balancing golf with school life, for example I don’t play when I have exams, and if I get a big win and my classmates get super hyped I know I need to manage my emotions in terms of the overall picture.

Stepping-up My Game With NeuroTracker

Initially my dad found and introduced me to NeuroTracker in 2020, and I was like ‘okay?’ But then we set it up on our TV. When I tried it I got really interested in the challenge of it when the speed went up high. Which I thought was cool.

Off-the-bat it got me aware of how my brain performs and curious where it could go. I started using NeuroTracker as part of my daily training before my golf practice sessions. It was different to my other training as it was more like a video game, yet I saw how useful it could be for my golfing and academics, and I found that fun. It got me focused quickly like a pre warm-up for your brain, I used it before a golfing tournament and before exams.

In terms of the training effects I first noticed an increased awareness of my surroundings when playing. Then I saw that I could target holes on the course with more precision, and that I started to rarely ever miss landing the ball on the greens. Course management became easier as my focus was on the task and limited distractions.

I also noticed short term benefits of getting into a game mindset, so I started to use it to get my mind focused before a game. Or to help me refocus if I felt like my head wasn’t in a game situation, as I know it’s so important to be fully alert when the time comes to perform. This also helped me to cope with mental pressure during my competition.

The other thing is the confidence boost from realizing how much you can improve with training - the speeds I can track at now are pretty much twice as fast as the maximum I could do when I started out.

Converting Mental Training to Tournaments

As you get older obviously the number of competitors and their level of play increases so you have to continually step up your game, and overall I think NeuroTracker helped tremendously with my golf development and at school.

Photo after winning the Nomads South African Girls Championship C Division

In terms of tournaments since training with NeuroTracker I won provincial, and national titles. I also qualified to play at the world championships in Ireland, and won the Junior African Championships u7s, u9s and u10s for three years in a row.

From personal experience, psychology and mental training have convinced me that golf performance is 90% mental, and I can see that being the case with other sports as well. For instance in tennis, you can't lose your visual focus for a split second or you miss the ball, the same for baseball.

Focus is so important and it’s all about the brain. So actually I recommend NeuroTracker for any young athletes to help develop their mind as well as their body. It is super fun and interesting. NeuroTracker gets you focused without you even realizing it.

5 Health and Performance Benefits of Hydrogen-Infused Water

November 27, 2023

Discover the many surprising advantages of drinking water with added hydrogren.

In recent years, hydrogen-infused water has emerged as a surprisingly accessible game-changer in the realm of health and performance. Scientific studies are shedding light on the myriad benefits associated with this enhanced modality of hydration. Here we highlight five reasons why incorporating hydrogen-infused water into your daily hydration routine could lead to significant improvements in your well-being and performance. But first, let's clarify what makes this type of water different.

What is Hydrogen-Infused Water?

Hydrogen water is simply pure water with extra molecular hydrogen molecules added to it. Originally hydrogen gas was studied as an effictive adjunct treatment modality for diseases such as cancer, then a Japanese company discovered and patented a technology solution in 2003 that allowed hydrogen molecules to be added to water in it's dissolved form. Research to date has found no significant side-effects with drinking this type of enriched water.

This is achieved through a process called water electrolysis, where hydrogen gas is bubbled into water, improving it's hydration proporties. Commercially available machines allow users to make hydrogen-infused water on demand, which work much-like using a jug kettle. Once infusion has taken place (approx. 10 minutes), it is consumed in the same way as regular water.

Hydrogen-infusion machines come in different types of sizes and varying cost, typically starting at around $50 USD for small portable versions. Pre-made hydrogen-infused water can be purchased from different vendors, but this works out much more expensive in the long run.

1. Enhanced Antioxidant Power: The Hydrogen Advantage

The human body constantly faces oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage and aging. Hydrogen-infused water, rich in molecular hydrogen (H2), has demonstrated potent antioxidant properties. One particular study titled, 'Hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses and prevents apoptosis of peripheral blood cells in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial', published in Nature Scientific Reports, found evidence for these benefits from drinking 1.5 liters per day over 4 weeks.

- A significant increase in biological antioxidant potential.

- A reduction in a marker for DNA damage due to oxidative stress (8-Oxo-2’-deoxyguanosine).

- A significantly lower percentage of peripheral blood mononuclear cells apoptosis (lower death rate of blood cells).

- A statistically significant increase in the number of CD14+ cells - a protein which assists the immune system in detecting pathogens and bacterial infections.

Similar research findings indicate that molecular hydrogen may help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall health.

2. Improved Athletic Performance: Boosting Endurance and Recovery

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, optimizing performance and reducing recovery time are paramount. Drinking hydrogen-infused water has been found to enhance exercise performance in several ways.

- By reducing lactate levels during intense physical exercise.

- By alleviating muscle fatigue following resistance training.

- Through positive effects on muscular capabilities.

- Through increased energy and endurance levels.

Other research has found benefits for increasing both anaerobic and aerobic performance, with findings overall presenting a promising avenue for individuals seeking to elevate their physical capabilities.

3. Brain Health: Cognitive Benefits of Hydrogen-Infused Water

Like normal water, a key advantage of molecular hydrogen is that it can naturally pass through the blood-brain barrier. Around 75% of the brain is composed from water, which plays a key part in it's maintenance. Research shows broad and robust perks for brain health from drinking hydrogen water, including these neuroprotective roles.

- Anti-oxidation.
- Anti-inflammation.
- Anti-apoptosis.
- Regulation of autophagy.
- Preservation of mitochondrial function.

As such, clinical researchers suggest it can provide a new potential therapeutic strategy for managing patients with neurodegenerative conditions in clinical settings. Long-term research is needed to investigate hydrogen-infused water can mitigate cognitive decline and support brain health over time.

Additional research has found psychological advantages, including improvements in mood, anxiety and quality of life, as well as gains in performance on neuropsychological assessments.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Alleviating Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health issues, from cardiovascular diseases to autoimmune disorders. As well as reducing levels of chronic inflammation, research has found a reduction in pain levels associated with inflammation. ‍

Other research found a significantly lower expression levels of several types of cytokines associated with inflammation. By addressing inflammation at its source, this beverage could contribute to a healthier, more resilient body.

5. Metabolic Benefits: Supporting Weight Management

Poor metabolic health is associated with increased risk factors like obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension. Preliminary studies indicate that hydrogen-infused water may positively influence metabolic markers, with one study showing that drinking hydrogen rich water represents a potentially novel therapeutic and preventive strategy for metabolic syndrome, improving antioxidant enzymes, good and bad cholesterol levels, and acid reactivity.

Specifically it's stimulation of metabolic energy has been found in clinical research to improve outcomes with obesity and diabetes. While more research is needed, early findings suggest that incorporating hydrogen-infused water into a balanced lifestyle may offer metabolic support, potentially aiding in weight management.

Takeaways

As scientific exploration of hydrogen-infused water continues, the evidence supporting its health and performance benefits is becoming increasingly compelling. From antioxidant power to cognitive benefits and anti-inflammatory properties, hydrogen-infused water could be a promising addition to a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Alongside the wide spectrum of health and performance benefits are the negligible risks of side effects, ease of access and consumption, and the low costs of making hydrogen from the comfort of your own home.