Many of us exercise to lose weight, tone up or simply because of the happy endorphins that are released when performing rigorous activity. Wouldn’t it be great if you can exercise your brain to improve your mood as well? The wait is over. InteraXon has developed a device that claims to aid in brain training and improve your mental fitness.
The device, dubbed Muse, is a brain sensing headband that measures brain signals. Similar to a heart rate monitor, the sensors can detect and measure the activity of an individual’s brain. There are two sensors on the horsehead, two sensors behind the ears and three reference sensors.
The device partners with the mobile-based app Muse Calm via Bluetooth. During the first connection, you will be led through a tutorial to ensure the device is positioned correctly and is reading your brain signals accurately.
Since your brain differs daily, the device will adjust itself prior to each session. It will take a snapshot of your cerebrum in an active state. Muse uses the snapshot as a reference to understand the brain signals. The device will listen to brain signals for seconds as you perform simple brainstorming tasks. While performing the activities, Muse aims to also reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and increase focus as well as concentration.
According to IneraXon, “when your mind is calm and settled, you hear calm and settled winds. When your mind is active the winds will pick up and blow. Learning to keep the winds calm trains your brain to stay focused and resist distractions.”
Following each session, you will be able to see how you’ve done through a series of graphs and charts. You’ll be able to see how long you were able to remain calm and vice versa. You’ll be able to track your progress over time. Additionally, you’ll be provided with points, goals, challenges and bonuses in hopes to keep you motivated.
InteraXon, a Toronto-based company, has been in the field of brain-sensing technology for more than a decade. They have partnered with the Government of Canada and the MaRS Discovery District, and worked with research labs at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, the University of Toronto, the Krembil Neuroscience Institute, the University of California San Diego and the Rotman Brain Institute and more.
The device and its app are compatible with Android and Apple devices. It is priced at $299.
(Photos via Muse)
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