Transcranial direct current Stimulation (tDCS) - A breakthrough in sports

        Already known for its potential to treat depression and traumatic brain injuries, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) might present a breakthrough in athletic performance training as well. The basic principle of tDCS is sending a mild electrical current through the brain for therapeutic benefit. This isn't new though, as the ancient Romans put electric shocks from fish to relieve headaches. 

        Halo Neuroscience and professional athletes are using tDCS to improve their performance, muscular endurance, and athletic abilities. Looking at Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, a form of neurostimulation, tDCS uses electric currents to stimulate particular parts of the brain. Traditionally, tDCS is administered in a laboratory-like setting, with a patient wearing what looks like a wired shower cap. But the tDCS device designed by Hallo Neuroscience fashionably resembles a pair of high-quality headphones. 

        Halo Neuroscience created the headset to deliver an electrical current directly to the part of the brain responsible for controlling movement - the motor cortex. Stimulated by the device, these brain cells enter a hyperplastic state. The neurons fire more frequently, helping to strengthen the neural pathways associated with any activity that involves muscle memory, strength, and physical endurance. When an athlete wears the tDCS device for 20 minutes, which Halo Neuroscience refers to as "neuropriming," they should be in a hyperplastic state for 60 minutes, during which they'll be able to train much more effectively. 

By: Jordan Greene 
“Top Athletes Are Shocking Their Brains with tDCS.” Freethink, 8 July 2021, www.freethink.com/series/the-edge/tdcs-device. 


1. Do you think that people around the world will start using this device soon? 

2. How much do you think this actually works or is it just a scam? 

Comments

  1. The blog post introduces an intriguing application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) beyond its traditional medical uses, exploring its potential in enhancing athletic performance. tDCS, a technique that involves applying a mild electrical current to the brain, has roots in ancient practices but is now being modernized and utilized in high-performance sports training through devices like Halo Neuroscience's headset. This headset, which stylishly mimics the appearance of headphones, targets the motor cortex to improve muscular endurance and athletic abilities by inducing a state of hyperplasticity in the brain cells. This state allows for more frequent neuron firing, which can enhance the strength of neural pathways related to muscle memory, strength, and physical endurance. The concept of "neuropriming" for 20 minutes to achieve an hour of enhanced training effectiveness presents a fascinating blend of neuroscience and athletic training, potentially revolutionizing how athletes prepare and improve their performance.




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  2. Traumatic brain injuries are very common, especially in contact sports. I believe this tool can help grow sports and mitigate serious injuries to the head. As new technology is introduced to mitigate risk of injury, it can help truly grow a sport which in return can help grow a fan base. This can lead to increasing amounts of money. A key aspect you included is that in goes directly to the motor cortex. This tool is advanced a top of the line but the question is, will it affect play and fan-ship?

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    1. Hey Andrew, I like your comment and personal thoughts on the head device. I hope does affect play but in a good way. I hope transforms people minds and makes them to a better athlete. I don't really think it will affect fan-ship at all honestly though.

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  3. Although this may prove to be an effective method in treating traumatic brain injuries, I found this article to be yet another step towards the dystopian worlds we've seen in novels and movies. Brain injuries are a serious issue in american football and other sports, and hopefully this treatment strategy will improve the recovery rate.
    - jack Winston

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  4. I think this post was really insightful, however I don't think that many around the world will begin to use this device soon. I can only imagine the cost of it, as well as how limited its accessibility would be for it to have an extremely profound impact on sport. I think it could have the potential to change how some athletes train, since brain injuries are an extremely big issue in sport, but I don't think it would transform how athletes train. It would be an additional safety asset/additional recovery asset. I wouldn't say necessarily it's a scam, but I do think some more studies need to be performed with the device before claiming how impactful it could be for athletes.

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  5. Jordan, your article on tDCS and its potential in athletic performance is fascinating. Considering the device's ability to enhance muscle memory, strength, and endurance, its adoption could become widespread soon. The user-friendly design by Halo Neuroscience, resembling high-quality headphones, makes it accessible and appealing. As professional athletes are already utilizing it and experiencing benefits, this could drive more awareness and acceptance globally. The concept of "neuro priming" sounds revolutionary, and as its advantages become more documented, I see a significant potential for its increased usage in sports training worldwide. -Logan Gornbein

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    1. Hey Logan, thank you for your comment! I completely agree with you, this device could definitely be revolutionary and using it in sports training worldwide would be great for athletes and how they could perform better with a better understanding of their own sport.

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  6. The potential for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) devices, like those developed by Halo Neuroscience, to enhance athletic performance by neuropriming the brain suggests a fascinating evolution in sports training. Considering its scientific basis and the backing from professional athletes, it seems plausible that this technology could gain worldwide adoption among athletes seeking a competitive edge. As for its efficacy, the principle of stimulating the motor cortex to enhance muscle memory and strength is compelling, but like any emerging technology, its true effectiveness will likely be determined through widespread use and further research.
    -Sam

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  7. I find this post to be quite insightful, although I doubt that widespread adoption of this device will occur globally. Considering its high cost and limited accessibility, it's unlikely to have a significant impact on sports in the near future. While it may offer potential benefits in addressing the prevalent issue of brain injuries in sports and could enhance certain aspects of athlete training, I don't foresee it fundamentally transforming training methods. Instead, it would likely serve as an additional safety and recovery tool. While I wouldn't go as far as to label it a scam, I believe further research is necessary to fully understand its potential impact on athletes before making definitive claims.

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  8. This post is extremely fascinating! Due to the ever growing interest of optimizing athletic performance, I think that there is a real place of tDCS devices. However, like any emerging technology, its efficacy can vary from person to person. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its benefits can depend on how it's integrated into a comprehensive training program. While skepticism is natural, calling it a scam dismisses the potential genuine benefits it offers, particularly when used under professional guidance. Continued research and user testimonials will be key in validating its effectiveness and dispelling doubts about its legitimacy.
    - Benji

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