General Information
Neurofeedback is a method to train brain activity by providing real-time feedback about the state of your mind.
The science behind alphabeats
Unlock your minds performance with science backed neurofeedback technology and music.
Team of 5 PhDs
across our neuroscientist research teams and 15+ people innovating together
1000s of sessions
of data to ensure you get the best out of your neurofeedback training
10+ Years
of pioneering research and innovation in neurofeedback training
What is neurofeedback?
Full explanation
Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback, is a way to teach people how to control their brain activity. It works by:
- Measuring brain waves
- Giving immediate feedback when specific patterns (like alpha waves) occur
This feedback can be visual (like a shape moving or changing on a screen), auditory (a changing sound), or tactile (a vibration). Studies show that combining visual and auditory feedback works best.
Why is this important?
Neurofeedback helps people learn to self-regulate their brain activity, potentially improving various mental functions.
Full explanation
Neurofeedback is important because it gives people a tangible way to influence their brain activity. This can help with many aspects of mental function, like attention, memory, and emotional control.
For athletes, the ability to self-regulate thoughts and emotions is crucial for peak performance. Neurofeedback offers a concrete tool to develop this skill.
How does alphabeats apply this science?
At alphabeats, we use a unique approach to neurofeedback:
- We teach you to increase alpha brain waves using both sound and visual feedback.
- We use your own chosen music, which changes in real-time based on your brain activity.
- We also show an "alpha pulse" on the screen that changes with your alpha waves.
- Our first study in 2012 showed up to 33% increase in alpha power after 15 sessions.
- A 2023 study with soccer players confirmed over 30% increase in alpha power after 20 sessions.
What is EEG?
General Information
EEG measures brain activity through sensors on your scalp, showing how neurons, cells that transmit messages in the brain, communicate.
Full explanation
Your brain is always active, even when you're resting. Neurons constantly send signals to each other. We can measure this activity from outside the head using sensors that adhere to your scalp. This method, called EEG (electroencephalography), was invented in 1924.
EEG recordings show tiny changes in electrical activity over time. By looking at specific patterns in these recordings, called brain waves, we can learn about different mental states.
Why is this important?
EEG helps us understand what's happening in our brains, so that we can better understand our state of mind.
Full explanation
EEG recordings give us a window into our minds. They help us see what's going on inside our brains. This is exciting for many fields, including sports.
In sports, even small mental changes can make the difference between winning and losing. That's why there's growing interest in using EEG to improve mental performance in athletes.
How does alphabeats apply this science?
At alphabeats, we currently use a wearable device called the BrainBit headband to provide these EEG readings. This allows you to record your brain activity anywhere, anytime. Tilburg University (NL) tested this device and found it gives high-quality EEG signals. We're committed to providing neurofeedback that meets scientific standards.
We're always watching for new developments in mobile EEG technology to make sure we offer the best solution, and our aim is to offer a variety of high quality wearable EEG devices, such as ear buds, headphones and more, that pair with alphabeats in the future.
What are brainwaves and which types can we identify?
General Information
EEG measures brain activity through sensors on your scalp, showing how neurons, cells that transmit messages in the brain, communicate.
Full explanation
Brainwaves are repeating patterns of brain activity. We can sort them into five types based on how fast they are. From slowest to fastest, they are:
- Delta
- Theta
- Alpha
- Beta
- Gamma
Slower waves (delta and theta) are strong when we're not very alert and focused on our inner world, like when we're asleep or falling asleep.
Faster waves (beta and gamma) are strong when we're very alert and focused on the outside world, like when we're thinking about how to solve a problem.
Why is this important?
Different brainwaves relate to different mental states, helping us understand our mind's activity.
Full explanation
Alpha waves (8-12 Hz) are right in the middle of this range. They're most noticeable at the back of the head, especially when our eyes are closed.
We used to think alpha waves meant the brain was just idling, but now we know they show the brain is actively filtering information.
This filtering helps us focus on what's important and ignore what's not, which helps us perform tasks better.
How does alphabeats apply this science?
At alphabeats, we focus on stimulating alpha waves. When people show strong alpha waves, they often say they feel relaxed and calm, but also very awake and focused.
Tasks feel easy, like you’re "in the flow." Our goal is to help you increase your alpha waves to achieve this state of calm focus.
Benefits of (alpha) neurofeedback
General Information
Alpha neurofeedback can improve focus, relaxation, and task performance.
Full explanation
When alpha waves are strong, people often report feeling both relaxed and alert - a state often described as "being in the flow." In this state, tasks feel easier. Studies have shown improvements in various mental functions, including:
- Attention
- Self-control
- Working memory
- Mental rotation (ability to imagine objects in different positions)
People also often report better sleep and improved mood, with less anxiety and depression.
Why is this important?
These benefits can enhance overall well-being and performance in various areas of life.
Full explanation
The ability to achieve a state of calm focus is valuable in many areas of life, from work and study to sports and creative pursuits. By improving fundamental mental functions and emotional state, alpha neurofeedback can potentially enhance overall quality of life and performance across various domains.
How does alphabeats apply this science?
Our users have reported several benefits from using alphabeats:
- Improved relaxation and focus.
- Better sleep.
- Enhanced mood.
- Feeling more grounded and mindful.
- Easier to quiet the mind and switch between tasks.
- Benefits are often noticed after 2-4 weeks of use.
In our controlled studies:
- Healthy students felt more relaxed (53% vs ~20% in control groups).
- Users with sleep problems reported better sleep quality, lasting up to 6 months.
Neurofeedback among athletes
General Information
Neurofeedback can help athletes maintain calm focus and recover quickly from setbacks.
Full explanation
For top athletic performance, it's important to be able to control thoughts and emotions. This helps athletes stay calm and focused, even in stressful situations.
It also helps them bounce back quickly after setbacks. Neurofeedback offers a concrete way to train this mental skill.
While research in this area is still new, most studies support the idea that neurofeedback training improves athletic performance or mental functions important for peak performance.
Why is this important?
Mental skills are as important as physical skills in sports, especially at high levels of competition.
Full explanation
In high-level sports, small mental differences can be the deciding factor between winning and losing.
The ability to stay focused under pressure, handle stress, and recover quickly from mistakes can give athletes a significant edge.
Neurofeedback provides a measurable, trainable way to develop these crucial mental skills.
How does alphabeats apply this science?
We've tested alphabeats with various groups of athletes:
- Gymnasts (2014): Reported feeling in better shape, sleeping better, and having better mental balance.
- Soccer players (2023): Showed over 30% increase in alpha power and did better on complex mental tasks important for sports.
- Olympic archers (ongoing study): After 6 weeks of alphabeats training, 2/3 of the Dutch Olympic archery team could produce alpha brain waves at will and reported positive experiences with the technology overall. We're now checking if higher alpha levels match up with better shooting performance.
- Various other athletes: Reported that alphabeats helps them prepare for matches, recover after physical activity, focus during sports, and may contribute to their success.
