Difference between revisions of "Foc.us"

From HCE Wiki - The Human Cognitive Enhancement Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(a correction)
(a correction)
 
(30 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
 
name_of_device=Foc.us|
 
name_of_device=Foc.us|
 
image_file_name=Foc.us V2.jpeg|
 
image_file_name=Foc.us V2.jpeg|
category=Transcranial direct-current stimulation, Cranial electrotherapy stimulation|
+
category=Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES)|
 
developer=Transcranial Ltd.|
 
developer=Transcranial Ltd.|
 
developer_commentary=|
 
developer_commentary=|
Line 17: Line 17:
 
max_session_duration=2400 s|
 
max_session_duration=2400 s|
 
max_session_duration_commentary=|
 
max_session_duration_commentary=|
scalp_location=Fp1, Fp2|
+
scalp_location=Fp1 (above the left eye on the forehead)
scalp_location_commentary=(Foc.us V1 stimulator)<ref>WILLIAMS, Brent. The foc.us tDCS Headset, Review Part 4, Electrode Placements. Speak Wisdom [online]. Available online at: 2013, Aug 13. https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/the-foc-us-tdcs-headset-review-part-4-electrode-placements/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref>|
+
Fp2 (above the right eye on the forehead)|
 +
scalp_location_commentary=(Foc.us V1 stimulator)<ref>WILLIAMS, Brent. The foc.us tDCS Headset, Review Part 4, Electrode Placements. Speak Wisdom [online]. Available online at: 2013, Aug 13. https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/the-foc-us-tdcs-headset-review-part-4-electrode-placements/ (Retrieved 23th April, 2017).</ref>|
 
weight=|
 
weight=|
weight_commentary=|
+
weight_commentary=(unknown)|
 
controls1=joystick|
 
controls1=joystick|
 
controls2=button|
 
controls2=button|
Line 34: Line 35:
 
}}
 
}}
  
Foc.us is a small [[Transcranial direct-current stimulation|tDCS]] (transcranial direct-current stimulation) device. It was developed by a London based company, Transcranial Ltd.<ref name="stimulator"/> The first version of the device was focused on video game players,<ref name="Game Rant review"/> but the current version could be used for brain stimulation in general. In addition, the current version of Foc.us, Foc.us V2, could deliver also different types of brain stimulation, namely [[Cranial electrotherapy stimulation|cranial electrotherapy stimulation]], transcranial pulsed current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation and double blind sham stimulation.<ref name="stimulator">FOC.US. The foc.us v2 stimulator. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/v2 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> Transcranial Ltd. also sell Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit, which should enable its users to lucid dreaming.<ref name="Lucid Dreaming Kit">FOC.US. Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-lucid-dreaming-kit (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref>  
+
Foc.us is a small transcranial direct-current stimulation ([[Transcranial direct-current stimulation|tDCS]]) device. It was developed by a London based company, Transcranial Ltd.<ref name="stimulator"/> The first version of the device was focussed on video game players,<ref name="Game Rant review"/> but the current version could be used for brain stimulation in general. In addition, the current version of Foc.us-Foc.us V2-could also deliver different types of brain stimulation, namely [[Cranial electrotherapy stimulation|cranial electrotherapy stimulation]] (CES), transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), and double blind sham stimulation.<ref name="stimulator">FOC.US. The foc.us v2 stimulator. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/v2 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> Transcranial Ltd. also sells the Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit that is supposed to provide its users with lucid dreaming.<ref name="Lucid Dreaming Kit">FOC.US. Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-lucid-dreaming-kit (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref>  
  
The first version of the device consists of a headset, which includes four sponge electrodes and a battery<ref name="IEEE">KOUZANI, Abbas Z. et al. Development and Validation of a Miniature Programmable tDCS Device. IEEE Transactions of Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering [online]. 2015, Aug. Doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2015.2468579 Available online at: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7202867/?arnumber=7202867&tag=1 (Retrieved 23rd November, 2016). </ref> and the device was controlled by buttons and app. It was also shipped with a small bottle and a charging cable.<ref name="Game Rant review"/> Foc.us V2's package contains only a brain stimulator and a recharging dock, a recharging cable and a booklet. It does not include electrodes.<ref name="stimulator"/> Its users can connect the device with electrodes, which are sold by Foc.us company, or electrodes of a third party.<ref>WILLIAMS, Brent. Solid Advice on Selecting foc.us V2 Device and Accessories. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2015, Sep 20. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/solid-advice-on-selecting-foc-us-tdcs-and-accessories/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> Lucid Dreaming Kit includes Foc.us V2 brain stimulator, a sleeping mask, cables and a hydrogel.<ref name="Lucid Dreaming Kit"/>  
+
The first version of the device consists of a headset that includes four sponge electrodes and a battery,<ref name="IEEE">KOUZANI, Abbas Z. et al. Development and Validation of a Miniature Programmable tDCS Device. IEEE Transactions of Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering [online]. 2015, Aug. Doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2015.2468579 Available online at: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7202867/?arnumber=7202867&tag=1 (Retrieved 23rd November, 2016). </ref> and the device is controlled by buttons and an app. It is also shipped with a small bottle and a charging cable.<ref name="Game Rant review"/> Foc.us V2's package contains only a brain stimulator, recharging dock, a recharging cable, and a booklet. It does not include electrodes.<ref name="stimulator"/> Its users can connect the device with electrodes that are sold by the Foc.us company, or electrodes from a third party.<ref>WILLIAMS, Brent. Solid Advice on Selecting foc.us V2 Device and Accessories. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2015, Sep 20. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/solid-advice-on-selecting-foc-us-tdcs-and-accessories/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> The Lucid Dreaming Kit includes a Foc.us V2 brain stimulator, a sleeping mask, cables, and hydrogel.<ref name="Lucid Dreaming Kit"/>  
  
  
== Main characteristics ==
+
== Main Characteristics ==
  
Foc.us is a standalone device, but its functions are enlarged when it is linked with PC, tablet or smartphone. This device does not require medical prescription. However, certain customers should avoid its use due to their specific health conditions as a history of seizures.<ref name="MakeUseOf">YAMADA, Kannon. Foc.us tDCS Headset Review and Giveaway. MakeUseOf [online]. 2014, Sep 30. Available online at: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/foc-us-tdcs-headset-review-and-giveaway/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref>   
+
Foc.us is a standalone device, but its functions are enlarged when it is linked with PC, tablet, or smartphone. This device does not require a medical prescription. However, certain customers should avoid its use due to their specific health conditions such as a history of seizures.<ref name="MakeUseOf">YAMADA, Kannon. Foc.us tDCS Headset Review and Giveaway. MakeUseOf [online]. 2014, Sep 30. Available online at: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/foc-us-tdcs-headset-review-and-giveaway/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref>   
  
The first version of the device was shipped as a headset for video-game players. The headset was from hard plastic and contains four copper sponge electrodes. Due to construction of Foc.us device, the position of electrodes was settled to some extend.<ref>WILLIAMS, Brent. The foc.us tDCS Headset, Part 2, Electrode Basics. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2013, Aug 21. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/the-foc-us-headset-part-2-electrode-basics/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> However, Foc.us also allowed a different placement of electrodes if the user purchased the accessory kit, since the kit contained two separate electrodes which could be connect to the headset by cables.<ref name="part 1">WILLIAMS, Brent. The New foc.us tDCS Headset, Part 1. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2013, Aug 19. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/19/the-new-foc-us-tdcs-headset-part-1/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> There were buttons on the back side of the device, which controlled the session.<ref>LEE, Nicole. Foc.us headset claims to shock the brain for better gaming, we go forehead-on. Engadget [online]. 2013, May 17. Available online at: https://www.engadget.com/2013/05/17/focus-headset-tdcs/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> The device was charged by charging cable or the recharging station and the power was stored in 3.7 V lithium polymer type battery.<ref name="IEEE"/> When the device was produced the iOS and Android apps were not finished.<ref name="part 1"/> Afterwards, the iOS app was introduced, but Android app was dependent on the upgrade of Android system.<ref name="MakeUseOf"/>
+
The first version of the device was presented as a headset for video-game players. The headset was made of hard plastic and contained four copper sponge electrodes. Due to construction of the Foc.us device, the position of electrodes was settled to some extent.<ref>WILLIAMS, Brent. The foc.us tDCS Headset, Part 2, Electrode Basics. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2013, Aug 21. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/the-foc-us-headset-part-2-electrode-basics/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> However, Foc.us also allowed a different placement of electrodes if the user purchased the accessory kit. The kit contained two separate electrodes that could be connect to the headset by cables.<ref name="part 1">WILLIAMS, Brent. The New foc.us tDCS Headset, Part 1. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2013, Aug 19. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/19/the-new-foc-us-tdcs-headset-part-1/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> There were buttons on the back side of the device that controlled the session.<ref>LEE, Nicole. Foc.us headset claims to shock the brain for better gaming, we go forehead-on. Engadget [online]. 2013, May 17. Available online at: https://www.engadget.com/2013/05/17/focus-headset-tdcs/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> The device was charged by the charging cable or the recharging station, and the power was stored in a 3.7 V lithium polymer type battery.<ref name="IEEE"/> When the device was produced, the iOS and Android apps were not finished.<ref name="part 1"/> Afterwards, the iOS app was introduced, but the Android app was dependent on the upgrade of the Android system.<ref name="MakeUseOf"/>
 
[[File:Focus V1.jpeg|thumb|Foc.us V1 in the recharging station]]
 
[[File:Focus V1.jpeg|thumb|Foc.us V1 in the recharging station]]
In contrast to Foc.us V1, Foc.us V2 does not contain a headset or even electrodes. The Foc.us V2 brain stimulator is shipped just with a dock station for charging the device, cables and the instruction booklet. For the safety sake Foc.us V2 also includes triple current regulation, voltage control and misuse timers. It is controlled by the joystick and app. The app controls the device via Bluetooth. The device could provide various ways of stimulation, namely tDCS, CES, transcranial pulsed current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation and double blind sham stimulation. Since the stimulation is regulated by app, the developers claim that there could be added some other types of stimulation in future.<ref name="stimulator"/> There are apps for Windows, OS X and Ubuntu systems for Foc.us V2.<ref>FOC.US. Downloads. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/v2/downloads (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref>  
+
In contrast to Foc.us V1, Foc.us V2 does not contain a headset or even electrodes. The Foc.us V2 brain stimulator is shipped just with a dock station for charging the device, cables, and the instruction booklet. For safety's sake, Foc.us V2 also includes triple current regulation, voltage control, and misuse timers. The user could choose the session through the joystick and app. The app controls the device via Bluetooth. The device could provide various ways of stimulation, namely transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), and double-blind sham stimulation. Since the stimulation is regulated by the app, the developers claim that there could be some other types of stimulation added in future.<ref name="stimulator"/> There are apps for Windows, OS X, and Ubuntu systems for Foc.us V2.<ref>FOC.US. Downloads. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/v2/downloads (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref>  
  
Foc.us provides three types of electrodes for Foc.us V2, which, however, has to be purchased separately. The Foc.us Gamer headset and the Foc.us Edge headset cost each 79 USD and contain sponge electrodes, while Moovs sticky electrodes are not available at the moment.<ref>FOC.US. Hardware. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/all-products?SID=8ra4r8d2os79ll9iclduh9dmj7?SID=8ra4r8d2os79ll9iclduh9dmj7 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> The Gamer headset has the similar purpose as the V1 device, namely it focuses on gamers. However, its electrodes could be removed from the headset and used separately. The Edge headset should help athletes to enhance their sport performance.<ref> WILLIAMS, Brent. Using the foc.us V2 with the Gamer or Your Own Electrodes. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2015, Jan 8. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2015/01/08/using-the-foc-us-v2-with-the-gamer-or-your-own-electrodes/ (Retrieved 28th November, 2016).</ref>
+
Foc.us provides three types of electrodes for Foc.us V2 that however, have to be purchased separately. The Foc.us Gamer headset and the Foc.us Edge headset each cost 79 USD and contain sponge electrodes, while Moovs sticky electrodes are not available at the moment.<ref>FOC.US. Hardware. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/all-products?SID=8ra4r8d2os79ll9iclduh9dmj7?SID=8ra4r8d2os79ll9iclduh9dmj7 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref> The Gamer headset has a similar purpose as the V1 device, namely, it focusses on gamers. However, its electrodes could be removed from the headset and used separately. The Edge headset should help athletes enhance their sports performance.<ref> WILLIAMS, Brent. Using the foc.us V2 with the Gamer or Your Own Electrodes. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2015, Jan 8. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2015/01/08/using-the-foc-us-v2-with-the-gamer-or-your-own-electrodes/ (Retrieved 28th November, 2016).</ref> On 9 December 2016, manufacturers announced that the Foc.us V2 device would be shipped with a free 10-20 headcap pack.<ref>OXLEY, Michael. Free 10-20 Cap with v2. Foc.us Blog [online]. 2016, Dec 9. Available online at: https://www.foc.us/blog/free-10-20-cap-with-v2.html (Retrieved 9th December, 2016).</ref>
  
The consumers could purchase also a Lucid Dreaming Kit, which consists of Foc.us V2 brain stimulator, a sleep mask with electrodes, hydrogel and cables.<ref name="Lucid Dreaming Kit"/> The sleep mask could be also purchased separately for 9 USD.<ref> FOC.US. Foc.us lucid dreams sleep mask. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-sleep-mask (Retrieved 28th November, 2016).</ref>   
+
Consumers could also purchase a Lucid Dreaming Kit that consists of a Foc.us V2 brain stimulator, a sleep mask with electrodes, hydrogel, and cables.<ref name="Lucid Dreaming Kit"/> The sleep mask could also be purchased separately for 9 USD.<ref> FOC.US. Foc.us lucid dreams sleep mask. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-sleep-mask (Retrieved 28th November, 2016).</ref>   
  
The session of the Foc.us V2 device could take from 1 minute to 40 minutes and the current from 0.1 mA to 2 mA could be delivered. There should be 48 hours gap between each session. The device contains overuse time prevention to 24 or 48 hours. The maximal voltage which could be delivered by Foc.us V2 is 60 V but it a user could lessen it manually up to 15 V.<ref name="stimulator"/> If the sponge electrodes are used, they have to be moisturised before the start of the session by water or saline.<ref name="booklet">FOC.US. Focus Go Flow Manual & Instruction Booklet. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://help.foc.us//article/38-focus-go-flow-manual-instruction-booklet (Retrieved 28th November, 2016).</ref> In the case that the sticky electrodes are used the skin has to be clean, in order to avoid burning of the skin.<ref>OHSNAPITSNATHAN. PSA: Sticky electrodes and skin burns. Reddit [online]. 2016, Jul 2. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/4qx8ic/psa_sticky_electrodes_and_skin_burns/ (Retrieved 14th November, 2016).</ref>
+
A session with the Foc.us V2 device could take from 1 minute to 40 minutes, and the current can vary from 0.1 mA to 2 mA. There should be a 48-hour gap between each session. The device contains an overuse time prevention to 24 or 48 hours. The maximal voltage that could be delivered by Foc.us V2 is 60 V, but a user could lessen it manually up to 15 V.<ref name="stimulator"/> If the sponge electrodes are used, they have to be moistened before the start of the session by water or saline.<ref name="booklet">FOC.US. Focus Go Flow Manual & Instruction Booklet. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://help.foc.us//article/38-focus-go-flow-manual-instruction-booklet (Retrieved 28th November, 2016).</ref> In cases where the sticky electrodes are used, the skin has to be clean in order to avoid burning of the skin.<ref>OHSNAPITSNATHAN. PSA: Sticky electrodes and skin burns. Reddit [online]. 2016, Jul 2. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/4qx8ic/psa_sticky_electrodes_and_skin_burns/ (Retrieved 14th November, 2016).</ref>
  
The first available tDCS device should be [[GoFlow]] which was developed by two students at the University of Michigan Matt Sornson and Nick Woodhams in 2012.<ref name= "A pragmatic analysis"/> They were, however, unsuccessful and therefore they supported project which was developed by Foc.us.<ref name="good and bad"> JOHN. News from GoFlow! Good and Bad. DIY tDCS [online] 2013, Jun 7. Available online at: http://www.diytdcs.com/2013/06/news-from-goflow-good-and-bad/ (Retrieved 1st November, 2016).</ref> The first available tDCS device was therefore Foc.us V1 which was shipped from June 2013, when the developers obtained FCC approval.<ref name="The first commercial tDCS"/> The new version of the device Foc.us V2 stimulator was unveiled in November 2014 for the developers at first.<ref name="developer edition"/> Customers could buy Foc.us V2 stimulator from May 2015.<ref name="V2 available to buy"/>
+
The first available tDCS device is [[GoFlow]], which was developed in 2012 by two students at the University of Michigan named Matt Sornson and Nick Woodhams.<ref name= "A pragmatic analysis"/> However, they were, unsuccessful, and therefore supported the project that was later developed by Foc.us.<ref name="good and bad"> JOHN. News from GoFlow! Good and Bad. DIY tDCS [online] 2013, Jun 7. Available online at: http://www.diytdcs.com/2013/06/news-from-goflow-good-and-bad/ (Retrieved 1st November, 2016).</ref> The first available tDCS device was therefore Foc.us V1. It was shipped in June 2013 when developers obtained FCC approval.<ref name="The first commercial tDCS"/> The new version of the Foc.us V2 stimulator was unveiled in November 2014 for developers at first.<ref name="developer edition"/> Customers could buy Foc.us V2 stimulator starting in May 2015.<ref name="V2 available to buy"/>
 
[[File:Lucid Dreaming Kit.jpg|thumb|Lucid Dreaming Kit]]
 
[[File:Lucid Dreaming Kit.jpg|thumb|Lucid Dreaming Kit]]
 
=== Purpose ===
 
=== Purpose ===
  
The main aim of Foc.us V1 stimulator was to enhance skills which are essential for gamers by tDCS. Foc.us V2 stimulator focuses not only on gamers but also athletes and those who want to practise lucid dreaming.
+
The main aim of the Foc.us V1 stimulator was to enhance skills that are essential for gamers. The Foc.us V2 stimulator focusses not only on gamers but also athletes and those who want to practise lucid dreaming.
 
   
 
   
 
=== Company & People ===
 
=== Company & People ===
  
Foc.us was developed by Transcranial Ltd., which is based in London, UK. This company was founded by two engineers. They claim, however, that they cooperate with neuroscientist.<ref name="Ars Technica">GEUSS, Megan. The gaming headset that (literally) shocks your brain to attention. Ars Technica [online]. 2013, May 19. Available online at: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/05/the-gaming-headset-that-literally-shocks-your-brain-to-attention/ (Retrieved 15th November, 2016).</ref>
+
Foc.us was developed by Transcranial Ltd., which is based in London, UK. This company was founded by two engineers. They claim, however, that they cooperate with neuroscientist:<ref name="Ars Technica">GEUSS, Megan. The gaming headset that (literally) shocks your brain to attention. Ars Technica [online]. 2013, May 19. Available online at: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/05/the-gaming-headset-that-literally-shocks-your-brain-to-attention/ (Retrieved 15th November, 2016).</ref>
 +
 
 +
* Michael Oxley: Co-founder and CEO of Foc.us
 +
* Martin Skinner: Co-founder of Foc.us<ref name="Ars Technica"/>
  
* Michael Oxley - the co-founder and CEO of Foc.us
 
* Martin Skinner - the co-founder of Foc.us<ref name="Ars Technica"/>
 
 
 
== Important Dates ==
 
== Important Dates ==
  
* May 2013 - the pre order of Foc.us V1 started<ref name="Jump-Starter Kits"/>
+
* May 2013: Pre-orders of Foc.us V1 began<ref name="Jump-Starter Kits"/>
* June 2013 - Foc.us V1 was approved by FCC and could be shipped to customers<ref name="The first commercial tDCS"/>  
+
* June 2013: Foc.us V1 was approved by the FCC and could be shipped to customers<ref name="The first commercial tDCS"/>  
* 13th November 2014 - the developers editon of Foc.us V2 stimulator was available for developers<ref name="developer edition"/>  
+
* 13th November 2014: The developers edition of the Foc.us V2 stimulator was available for developers<ref name="developer edition"/>  
* 15th May 2015 - Foc.us V2 stimulator was available for regular customers<ref name="V2 available to buy"/>
+
* 15th May 2015: The Foc.us V2 stimulator was available for regular customers<ref name="V2 available to buy"/>
  
 
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
 
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
  
The cognitive enhancement linked with Foc.us stimulator is based on the neurostimulation, even though, there are certain studies which claim that it does not have presumed effect e.g.<ref>HORVATH, Jared Cooney et al. Quantitative Review Finds No Evidence of Cognitive Effects in Healthy Populations From Single-session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Brain Stimulation [online]. 2015, Jan 16. Doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.01.400 Available online at: http://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(15)00857-8/abstract (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref> First device focused primarily on tDCS, which is non-invasive stimulation of brain neurons by direct current. The current is delivered by hydrogel sticky electrodes resp. saline or water soaked electrodes.The current is not high enough to let the neurons fire but it is supposed to make a certain changes in their excitability. An anode makes the neurons more likely to fire for a certain amount of time, while a cathode impairs their excitability.<ref name="early adopters"> JWA, Anita. Early adopters of the magical thinking cap: a study on do-it-yourself (DIY) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) user community. Journal of Law and the Biosciences [online]. 2015, Jun 2. Doi: 10.1093/jlb/lsv017 Available online at: http://jlb.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/06/01/jlb.lsv017.full.pdf+html (Retrieved 22nd November, 2016).</ref> Foc.us V2 stimulator could deliver also CES, transcranial pulsed current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation.
+
The cognitive enhancement linked with the Foc.us stimulator is based on neurostimulation, even though there are certain studies that claim it does not have the presumed effect.<ref>HORVATH, Jared Cooney et al. Quantitative Review Finds No Evidence of Cognitive Effects in Healthy Populations From Single-session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Brain Stimulation [online]. 2015, Jan 16. Doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.01.400 Available online at: http://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(15)00857-8/abstract (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref> This is the first device focussed primarily on transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), which is non-invasive stimulation of brain neurons by a direct current. The current is delivered by hydrogel sticky electrodes or saline- or water-soaked electrodes. The current is not high enough to let the neurons fire, but it is supposed to make certain changes in their level of excitability. An anode makes the neurons more likely to fire for a certain amount of time, while a cathode impairs their excitability.<ref name="early adopters"> JWA, Anita. Early adopters of the magical thinking cap: a study on do-it-yourself (DIY) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) user community. Journal of Law and the Biosciences [online]. 2015, Jun 2. Doi: 10.1093/jlb/lsv017 Available online at: http://jlb.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/06/01/jlb.lsv017.full.pdf+html (Retrieved 22nd November, 2016).</ref> The Foc.us V2 stimulator could also deliver cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS).
  
In contrast to tDCS, cranial electrotherapy stimulation delivers alternating current. The current alternate in a certain amplitude (usually less than 4 mA). The precise mechanism of the stimulation has not been sufficiently investigated yet. It is supposed that the current alters the connectivity of neurons.<ref>MASLEN, Hannah et al. Mind Machines: The Regulation of Cognitive Enhancement Devices. Oxford Martin Policy Paper [online]. Available online at: http://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/downloads/briefings/Mind_Machines.pdf (Retrieved 29th November, 2016).</ref> Transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) is based on alternating current and hence it is a specific type of CES. In order to provide tPCS the device has to deliver pulses in rectangular amplitude.<ref>MORALES-QUEZADA, Leon. Cognitive effects and autonomic responses to transcranial pulsed current stimulation. Experimental Brain Research [online]. 2014, Dec 6. Doi: 10.1007/s00221-014-4147-y Available online at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-014-4147-y (Retrieved 29th November, 2016).</ref> Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) is also a stimulation by the alternating current. On the contrary to the previously introduced stimulations, the current changes randomly in tRNS stimulation. It ranges in a chosen spectrum.<ref>POPESCU, Tudor. Transcranial random noise stimulation mitigates increased difficulty in an arithmetic learning task. Neuropsychologia [online]. 2015, Dec 28. Doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.12.028 Available online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028393215302682 (Retrieved 29th November, 2016).</ref>
+
In contrast to tDCS, CES delivers an alternating current. The currents alternate in a certain amplitude (usually less than 4 mA). The precise mechanism of the stimulation has not been sufficiently investigated yet. It is suggested that the current alters the connectivity of neurons.<ref>MASLEN, Hannah et al. Mind Machines: The Regulation of Cognitive Enhancement Devices. Oxford Martin Policy Paper [online]. Available online at: http://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/downloads/briefings/Mind_Machines.pdf (Retrieved 29th November, 2016).</ref> tPCS is based on the alternating current; hence, it is a specific type of CES. In order to provide tPCS the device has to deliver pulses in a rectangular amplitude.<ref>MORALES-QUEZADA, Leon. Cognitive effects and autonomic responses to transcranial pulsed current stimulation. Experimental Brain Research [online]. 2014, Dec 6. Doi: 10.1007/s00221-014-4147-y Available online at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-014-4147-y (Retrieved 29th November, 2016).</ref> tRNS is also a stimulation by the alternating current. Contrary to previously introduced stimulations, the current changes randomly in tRNS stimulation. It ranges within a chosen spectrum.<ref>POPESCU, Tudor. Transcranial random noise stimulation mitigates increased difficulty in an arithmetic learning task. Neuropsychologia [online]. 2015, Dec 28. Doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.12.028 Available online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028393215302682 (Retrieved 29th November, 2016).</ref>
  
Foc.us V1 device was developed primarily for enhancement of cognitive abilities involved in playing video games. Certain reviewers reported an increase of a gaming performance.<ref name="MakeUseOf"/><ref name="Game Rant review"/> However, a research conducted by Laura Steenbergen and her colleagues suggests that Foc.us V1 impairs working memory.<ref>STEENBERGEN, Laura et al. “Unfocus” on foc.us: commercial tDCS headset impairs working memory. Experimental Brain Research [online]. 2015, Aug 18. Doi: 10.1007/s00221-015-4391-9 Available online at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-015-4391-9 (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref> This paper arose a great controversy in DIY tDCS community and the relevance of the research was doubted. The controversy is exposed at DIY tDCS web sides.<ref>JOHN. “Unfocus” on foc.us study (was…) Widely available brain training device could impair memory: study. DIY tDCS [online]. 2015, Aug 18. Available online at: http://www.diytdcs.com/2015/08/widely-available-brain-training-device-could-impair-memory-study-yahoo-news/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref>
+
The Foc.us V1 device was developed primarily for the enhancement of cognitive abilities involved in playing video games. Certain reviewers reported in increase of a gaming performance.<ref name="MakeUseOf"/><ref name="Game Rant review"/> However, research conducted by Laura Steenbergen and her colleagues suggest that Foc.us V1 impairs working memory.<ref>STEENBERGEN, Laura et al. “Unfocus” on foc.us: commercial tDCS headset impairs working memory. Experimental Brain Research [online]. 2015, Aug 18. Doi: 10.1007/s00221-015-4391-9 Available online at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-015-4391-9 (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref> This paper caused great controversy in DIY tDCS community, and the relevance of the research was doubted. The controversy is exposed on DIY tDCS websites.<ref>JOHN. “Unfocus” on foc.us study (was…) Widely available brain training device could impair memory: study. DIY tDCS [online]. 2015, Aug 18. Available online at: http://www.diytdcs.com/2015/08/widely-available-brain-training-device-could-impair-memory-study-yahoo-news/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref>
  
Foc.us V2 with the EDGE headset is intended for enhancement of sport performance. The enhancement of them is described in Foc.us' bolg posts.<ref name="Last longer">RAJESH. Last longer and train harder: Foc.us on endurance. Foc.us Blog [online]. 2016, Oct 10. Available online at: https://www.foc.us/blog/last-longer-and-train-harder-focus-on-endurance.html (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref><ref> OXLEY, Michael. tDCS Placements 10/20 Guide. Foc.us Blog [online]. 2016, Sep 1. Available online at: https://www.foc.us/blog/tdcs-placements-10-20-guide.html (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref><ref name="Achieve Sporting Prowess"> RAJESH. Achieve Sporting Prowess with Foc.us Brain Stimulation. Foc.us Blog [online]. 2016, Jul 25. Available online at: https://www.foc.us/blog/achieve-sporting-prowess-with-focus-brain-stimulation.html (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref> Primarily, any enhancement of sport performance has to precede or be linked with a training. They claim that tDCS stimulation could enhance implicit motor learning. The session requires electrodes placement on F3 (cathode) and Fp2 (anode), regardless on the handeness of the user. It should take 15 minutes and the recommended current is 1.5 mA.<ref name="Last longer"/> The design of the session was in accordance with research conducted by researchers form the University of Hong Kong, even though, the researchers used a different tDCS device.<ref>ZHU, Frank P. et al. Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Area Promotes Implicit Motor Learning in a Golf Putting Task. Brain Stimulation [online]. 2015, Mar 14. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2015.02.005 (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref> Another enhancement consist in training longer. The session requires electrodes placement on T3 (anode) and contralateral shoulder (cathode) and it takes 20 minutes. The recommended current is 2 mA.<ref name="Achieve Sporting Prowess"/> The session is based on a previously conducted research.<ref>OKANO, Alexandre Hideki et al. Brain stimulation modulates the autonomic nervous system, rating of perceived exertion and performance during maximal exercise. British Journal of Sports Medicine [online]. 2013, Feb 27. Doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091658 Available online at: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/49/18/1213 (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref>  Finally, the developers argue that tDCS stimulation could increase the intensity of a training. In order to obtain these results, they recommended 20 minutes long stimulation with 2 mA intensity of current. The electrodes should be placed on F3 (anode) and contralateral shoulder (cathode). There is also study where this setting was used previously.<ref name="Prefrontal tDCS"> AYACHE, Samar S. et al. Prefrontal tDCS Decreases Pain in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Frontiers in Neuroscience [online]. 2016, Apr 08. Doi:10.3389/fnins.2016.00147 Available online at: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnins.2016.00147/full (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref>  
+
The Foc.us V2 with the EDGE headset is intended for the enhancement of sports performance. This enhancement is described in Foc.us' blog posts.<ref name="Last longer">RAJESH. Last longer and train harder: Foc.us on endurance. Foc.us Blog [online]. 2016, Oct 10. Available online at: https://www.foc.us/blog/last-longer-and-train-harder-focus-on-endurance.html (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref><ref> OXLEY, Michael. tDCS Placements 10/20 Guide. Foc.us Blog [online]. 2016, Sep 1. Available online at: https://www.foc.us/blog/tdcs-placements-10-20-guide.html (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref><ref name="Achieve Sporting Prowess"> RAJESH. Achieve Sporting Prowess with Foc.us Brain Stimulation. Foc.us Blog [online]. 2016, Jul 25. Available online at: https://www.foc.us/blog/achieve-sporting-prowess-with-focus-brain-stimulation.html (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref> Primarily, any enhancement of sports performance has to precede or be linked with a training. They claim that tDCS stimulation could enhance implicit motor learning. The session requires electrode placement at F3 (high on the left forehead) for cathode and at FP2 (just above the right eye on the forehead) for anode, regardless of whether the user is right- or left-handed.<ref>WILLIAMS, Brent. The foc.us tDCS Headset, Review Part 4, Electrode Placements. Speak Wisdom [online]. Available online at: 2013, Aug 13. https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/the-foc-us-tdcs-headset-review-part-4-electrode-placements/ (Retrieved 23th April, 2017).</ref> It should take 15 minutes and the recommended current is 1.5 mA.<ref name="Last longer"/> The design of the session was in accordance with research conducted the University of Hong Kong, even though the researchers used a different tDCS device.<ref>ZHU, Frank P. et al. Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Area Promotes Implicit Motor Learning in a Golf Putting Task. Brain Stimulation [online]. 2015, Mar 14. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2015.02.005 (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref> Another enhancement consists in training longer. The session requires electrode placement on the left temple at T3 (anode) and the contralateral shoulder (cathode) and takes 20 minutes. The recommended current is 2 mA.<ref name="Achieve Sporting Prowess"/> The session is based on previously conducted research.<ref>OKANO, Alexandre Hideki et al. Brain stimulation modulates the autonomic nervous system, rating of perceived exertion and performance during maximal exercise. British Journal of Sports Medicine [online]. 2013, Feb 27. Doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091658 Available online at: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/49/18/1213 (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref>  Finally, the developers argue that tDCS stimulation could increase the intensity of training. In order to obtain these results, they recommend a 20-minutes stimulation with a current 2 mA. The electrodes should be placed at F3 (anode) and the contralateral shoulder (cathode). There is also a study where this setting was used previously.<ref name="Prefrontal tDCS"> AYACHE, Samar S. et al. Prefrontal tDCS Decreases Pain in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Frontiers in Neuroscience [online]. 2016, Apr 08. Doi:10.3389/fnins.2016.00147 Available online at: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnins.2016.00147/full (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref>  
  
Foc.us claims that using their device during sleep could lead to the lucid dreaming.<ref>FOC.US. Lucid Dream Stimulation. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-lucid-dreams (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref> There were a research which argues that CES stimulation of gamma frequency during sleep could induce lucid dreaming REM phase of sleep.<ref> PAYNE, Jessica D. The (gamma) power to control our dreams. Nature Neuroscience [online]. 2014, May 27 May. Doi: 10.1038/nn.3727 Available online at: http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v17/n6/full/nn.3727.html (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref>
+
Foc.us claims that using their device during sleep could lead to lucid dreaming.<ref>FOC.US. Lucid Dream Stimulation. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-lucid-dreams (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref> There is research that argues CES stimulation of gamma frequencies during sleep could induce a lucid dreaming during rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep.<ref> PAYNE, Jessica D. The (gamma) power to control our dreams. Nature Neuroscience [online]. 2014, May 27 May. Doi: 10.1038/nn.3727 Available online at: http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v17/n6/full/nn.3727.html (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref>
  
The developers clearly claim that Foc.us stimulator is not a medical device and hence it is not suitable for a treatment of a therapy.<ref name="Foc.us DIY">FOC.US. DIY tDCS. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://www.foc.us/diy-tdcs (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref> They tried to avoid FDA concerns. However, Foc.us' motto "take charge" could be considered as a kind of medical claim.<ref name="A pragmatic analysis">WEXLER, Anna. A pragmatic analysis of the regulation of consumer transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) devices in the United States. Journal of Law and the Biosciences [online]. 2015, Oct 12. Available online at: http://jlb.oxfordjournals.org/content/2/3/669.full.pdf+html (Retrieved 1st November, 2016).</ref>
+
The developers clearly claim that the Foc.us stimulator is not a medical device and hence it is not suitable for therapeutic treatment.<ref name="Foc.us DIY">FOC.US. DIY tDCS. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://www.foc.us/diy-tdcs (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref> They attempted to avoid FDA concerns. However, Foc.us' motto "take charge" could be considered as a kind of medical claim.<ref name="A pragmatic analysis">WEXLER, Anna. A pragmatic analysis of the regulation of consumer transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) devices in the United States. Journal of Law and the Biosciences [online]. 2015, Oct 12. Available online at: http://jlb.oxfordjournals.org/content/2/3/669.full.pdf+html (Retrieved 1st November, 2016).</ref>
  
 
== Ethical & Health Issues ==
 
== Ethical & Health Issues ==
  
There are various health and ethical issues connected with various types of current stimulation. Some of them clearly apply on Foc.us devices. There are also one health issue which was observed by users of Foc.us V1 stimulator, namely skin burns.  
+
There are various health and ethical issues connected with different types of current stimulation. Some of them clearly apply to Foc.us devices. There is also one health issue that was observed by users of the Foc.us V1 stimulator, namely, skin burns.  
[[File:Foc.us Moovs.jpeg|thumb|Moovs - Foc.us' sticky electrodes]]
+
[[File:Foc.us Moovs.jpeg|thumb|Moovs: Foc.us' sticky electrodes]]
 +
In an open letter published in ''Annals of Neurology'', Rachel Wurzman and her colleagues express various concerns regarding tDCS devices, primarily those used outside of laboratories. First, they claim that stimulation tends to influence more region than those users intend to stimulate, since electrodes extend the region to other areas affected by the stimulation. This could lead to unintended effects. Second, brain stimulation interferes with other activities, and therefore could have unintended effects. Third, the enhancement of one skill could lead to impairment of other skills. Fourth, a small difference in the design of the session could change the whole output of the session. Fifth, the brain of each person is unique, and placement of electrodes could differ. In addition, the excitability of each brain varies among tDCS users.<ref>WURZMAN, Rachel et al. An open letter concerning do-it-yourself users of transcranial direct current stimulation. Annals of Neurology [online]. 2016, Jul 7. Doi: 10.1002/ana.24689 Available online at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.24689/abstract (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref>
  
In the open letter published in ''Annals of Neurology'', Rachel Wurzman and her colleagues express various concerns concerning tDCS devices, primarily those used outside of laboratories. Firstly, they claim that a stimulation tents to influence more regions than those which users intent to stimulate, since the electrodes extends the regions and also other areas are affected by the stimulation. This could lead to unintended effects. Secondly, the brain stimulation interferes with other activities and therefore it could have unintended effects. Thirdly, the enhancement of one skill could lead to impairment of other skill. Fourthly, a small difference in the design of the session could change a whole output of the session. Fifthly, the brain of each person is unique and a placement of electrodes could differ. In addition, the excitability of each brain variate among tDCS users.<ref>WURZMAN, Rachel et al. An open letter concerning do-it-yourself users of transcranial direct current stimulation. Annals of Neurology [online]. 2016, Jul 7. Doi: 10.1002/ana.24689 Available online at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.24689/abstract (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).</ref>
+
As was mentioned in the previous paragraph, the correct design of a session and an accurate placement of electrodes is essential to the results of the session. Anna Wexler points out that people involved in the DIY tDCS community tends to be acquainted with the research,<ref>WEXLER, Anna. The practices of do-it-yourself brain stimulation: implications for ethical considerations and regulatory proposals. Journal of Medical Ethics [online]. 2015, Aug 31. Doi: 10.1136/medethics-2015-102704 Available online at: http://jme.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/30/medethics-2015-102704.abstract (Retrieved 18th November, 2016).</ref> and Anita Jwa stresses that the community regulates those who make dangerous mistakes and advises them.<ref name="early adopters"/> However, since the device could be purchased by anyone the lack of information could be harmful.
  
As was mentioned in previous paragraph, the correct design of a session and an accurate placement of electrodes is essential for the result of the session. Anna Wexler points out that people involved in DIY tDCS community tents to be acquainted with the research<ref>WEXLER, Anna. The practices of do-it-yourself brain stimulation: implications for ethical considerations and regulatory proposals. Journal of Medical Ethics [online]. 2015, Aug 31. Doi: 10.1136/medethics-2015-102704 Available online at: http://jme.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/30/medethics-2015-102704.abstract (Retrieved 18th November, 2016).</ref> and Anita Jwa stresses that the community regulates those who make dangerous mistakes and advice them.<ref name="early adopters"/> However, since the device could be purchased by anyone the lack of information could be harmful.
+
From an ethical point of view, the use of tDCS devices in sports could be controversial. There is still a possibility that this treatment could be considered doping. However, WADA and the International Olympic Committee have not maintained any concerns regarding tDCS devices as of yet. They still monitor, however, their usage.<ref>STRICKLAND, Eliza. Olympic Athletes Are Electrifying Their Brains, and You Can Too. IEEE Spectrum [online]. 2016, Aug 23. Available online at: http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/bionics/olympic-athletes-are-electrifying-their-brains-and-you-can-too (Retrieved 12th September, 2016).</ref>
  
From the ethical point of view, the use of tDCS devices in sport could be controversial. There are still possibility that this treatment could be considered as doping. However, WADA or International Olympic Committee have not maintained any concerns regarding tDCS devices yet. They still monitor their usage.<ref>STRICKLAND, Eliza. Olympic Athletes Are Electrifying Their Brains, and You Can Too. IEEE Spectrum [online]. 2016, Aug 23. Available online at: http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/bionics/olympic-athletes-are-electrifying-their-brains-and-you-can-too (Retrieved 12th September, 2016).</ref>
+
Users also reported various injuries caused by the Foc.us V1 device, especially skin burns, generating of current spikes,<ref>OHSNAPITSNATHAN. Update on the electrical safety of the foc.us. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Mar 16. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/20jzrd/update_on_the_electrical_safety_of_the_focus/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref> and a loss of consciousness after using the Foc.us device.<ref name="health issues">PACKMANTA. First time using Foc.us: saw bright white flash, passed out momentarily. Help. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Feb 16. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/1y1vlz/first_time_using_focus_saw_bright_white_flash/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref> The debater named 'ohsnapitsnathan' argues that the complaints could be partially caused by the fact that the Foc.us device is the most used tDCS device on ''Reddit''. However, he also points out that  Foc.us V1's sponge electrodes are smaller than regular tDCS sponge electrodes and that the placement of electrodes that is used in the device has not been tested in laboratories.<ref> OHSNAPITSNATHAN. PSA: Potential safety issues with the foc.us. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Feb 17. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/1y5otr/psa_potential_safety_issues_with_the_focus/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref>  
  
The users also reported various hurts caused by Foc.us V1 device, especially skin burns, generating current spikes,<ref>OHSNAPITSNATHAN. Update on the electrical safety of the foc.us. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Mar 16. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/20jzrd/update_on_the_electrical_safety_of_the_focus/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref> and a loss of consciousness after use of Foc.us device.<ref name="health issues">PACKMANTA. First time using Foc.us: saw bright white flash, passed out momentarily. Help. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Feb 16. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/1y1vlz/first_time_using_focus_saw_bright_white_flash/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref> The debater 'ohsnapitsnathan' argues that the complains could be partially caused by the fact that foc.us device is the most used tDCS device on ''Reddit''. However, he also points out that the design of Foc.us V1 sponge electrodes are smaller than regular tDCS sponge electrodes and that the montage which is used in the device have not been tested in laboratories.<ref> OHSNAPITSNATHAN. PSA: Potential safety issues with the foc.us. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Feb 17. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/1y5otr/psa_potential_safety_issues_with_the_focus/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref>  
+
Moreover, it was deemed that the design of the Foc.us V1 stimulator, namely, the placement of electrodes, could lead to an increase of aggression in its users.<ref>A MODERN MONK. New to tDCS? 5 Tips that will save you from headaches, shocks, and burns. Medium [online]. 2014, Jul 18. Available online at: https://medium.com/tdcs-and-neurodynamics/new-to-tdcs-5-tips-that-will-save-you-from-headaches-shocks-and-burns-1672790f68e8#.i3fsvhr5m (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref><ref name="MakeUseOf"/>
  
Moreover, it was deemed that the design of Foc.us V1 stimulator, namely the placement of electrodes, could lead to the increase of aggression of its users.<ref>A MODERN MONK. New to tDCS? 5 Tips that will save you from headaches, shocks, and burns. Medium [online]. 2014, Jul 18. Available online at: https://medium.com/tdcs-and-neurodynamics/new-to-tdcs-5-tips-that-will-save-you-from-headaches-shocks-and-burns-1672790f68e8#.i3fsvhr5m (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref><ref name="MakeUseOf"/>
+
On their website Foc.us warns that their device should not be used by anybody under 18, since his or her brain is still developing. They also point out the most common risks: skin burns, dizziness, and headaches.<ref name="Foc.us DIY"/> The developers stress that the device should not be used by patients suffering from bipolar depression, epilepsy, seizures, severe heart disease, or brain lesions.<ref name="booklet"/>  
  
On their websites Foc.us warns that their device should not be used by anybody under 18, since his or her brain still develops. They also pointed out the most common risks as is skin burns, dizziness and headache.<ref name="Foc.us DIY"/> The developers stress that the device should not be used by patients suffer from bipolar depression, epilepsy, seizures, severe heart disease or brain lesions.<ref name="booklet"/>
+
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
  
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
+
The Foc.us stimulator is usually well-evaluated by customers. For instance, the customer 'Labratoullie' argues:<blockquote>My partner uses it for gaming and it actually does improve his reaction speeds and overall gaming. I use it for morning wake up...it is better than 6 cups of coffee for me, I would know being an addict, and the jolt it gives me is fabulous! My brain processing speed is faster and multitasking is a breeze. For the entire day I'm focused and alert, can't really explain it but I LOVE THIS THING!!<ref>LABRATOULLIE. Oh heck yeah. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/review/product/list/id/923/ (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).</ref></blockquote> However, there were also unsatisfied consumers. A consumer with the nick-name 'mH' complains:<blockquote>You customer service is nonexistent, your software doesn't work, your website looks and functions like it was designed by a 3 year old throwing a temper tantrum. Of all of the companies I've ever done business with, you rand dead last on who I'd ever recommend!<ref>MH. You really don't want my revie. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/review/product/list/id/923/?filter=one-star (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).</ref></blockquote>
Foc.us stimulator is in usually well evaluated by customers. For instance, the customer 'Labratoullie' argues:<blockquote>My partner uses it for gaming and it actually does improve his reaction speeds and overall gaming. I use it for morning wake up...it is better than 6 cups of coffee for me, I would know being an addict, and the jolt it gives me is fabulous! My brain processing speed is faster and multitasking is a breeze. For the entire day I'm focused and alert, can't really explain it but I LOVE THIS THING!!<ref>LABRATOULLIE. Oh heck yeah. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/review/product/list/id/923/ (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).</ref></blockquote> However, there were also unsatisfied consumers. A consumer with a nick name 'mH' complains:<blockquote>You customer service is nonexistent, your software doesn't work, your website looks and functions like it was designed by a 3 year old throwing a temper tantrum. Of all of the companies I've ever done business with, you rand dead last on who I'd ever recommend!<ref>MH. You really don't want my revie. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/review/product/list/id/923/?filter=one-star (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).</ref></blockquote>
 
  
Kate Murphy from ''New York Times'' reported that the first production of Foc.us device was sold very soon:<blockquote>Available online since May, the device was sold out of its first production run of 3,000 in less than a month. “The response has been overwhelming,” said Michael Oxley, a mechanical engineer who is the company’s founder and president.<ref name="Jump-Starter Kits">MURPHY, Kate. Jump-Starter Kits for the Mind. New York Times [online]. 2013, Oct 28. Available online at:
+
Kate Murphy from ''The New York Times'' reported that the first production of the Foc.us device was sold very soon:<blockquote>Available online since May, the device was sold out of its first production run of 3,000 in less than a month. “The response has been overwhelming,” said Michael Oxley, a mechanical engineer who is the company’s founder and president.<ref name="Jump-Starter Kits">MURPHY, Kate. Jump-Starter Kits for the Mind. New York Times [online]. 2013, Oct 28. Available online at:
 
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/29/science/jump-starter-kits-for-the-mind.html (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref></blockquote>
 
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/29/science/jump-starter-kits-for-the-mind.html (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref></blockquote>
  
In the video produced by BBC, Dr. Hannah Maslen claims that Foc.us focused on video game players, since it tried to avoid FDA investigation.
+
In the video produced by the BBC, Dr. Hannah Maslen claims that Foc.us focussed on video game players in order to avoid FDA investigation.
 
<blockquote>If you were to make a treatment claim, that the device would alleviate symptoms or treat a recognised disease or illness, the device would automatically fall under the medical devices directive and the legislation associated with that.<ref> HOGENBOOM, Melissa. Warning over electrical brain stimulation. BBC [online]. 2014, Aug 24. Available online at: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27343047 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref>
 
<blockquote>If you were to make a treatment claim, that the device would alleviate symptoms or treat a recognised disease or illness, the device would automatically fall under the medical devices directive and the legislation associated with that.<ref> HOGENBOOM, Melissa. Warning over electrical brain stimulation. BBC [online]. 2014, Aug 24. Available online at: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27343047 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).</ref>
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
  
As it was mentioned in the previous section, there were several complains concerning the health issues caused by Foc.us V1 stimulators. for instance the user 'packmanta' reports:<blockquote>Okay, I'm still kind of freaking out about this. The instant I put the electrodes to my forehead I saw a bright white flash that seemed to envelop my vision and then momentarily lost consciousness. When I came to, my heart was pounding and I was dizzy, nauseated, and had prickling sensations in my arms and fingers. I lay down and that seemed to help, but I'm still feeling a bit "out of body".<ref name="health issues"/></blockquote> However, the user later claims that the undesirable effects were caused by the fact that he or she used the device in an inappropriate way.<ref>PACKMANTA. PSA: Potential safety issues with the foc.us. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Feb 17. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/1y5otr/psa_potential_safety_issues_with_the_focus/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref>
+
As was mentioned in the previous section, there were several complaints concerning health issues caused by Foc.us V1 stimulators. For instance the user 'packmanta' reports:<blockquote>Okay, I'm still kind of freaking out about this. The instant I put the electrodes to my forehead I saw a bright white flash that seemed to envelop my vision and then momentarily lost consciousness. When I came to, my heart was pounding and I was dizzy, nauseated, and had prickling sensations in my arms and fingers. I lay down and that seemed to help, but I'm still feeling a bit "out of body".<ref name="health issues"/></blockquote> However, the user later claims that the undesirable effects were caused by the fact that he or she used the device in an inappropriate way.<ref>PACKMANTA. PSA: Potential safety issues with the foc.us. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Feb 17. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/1y5otr/psa_potential_safety_issues_with_the_focus/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref>
  
Several customers reported dissatisfaction of Foc.us' customer service.<ref>UNDERXPOSEDBODY. Foc.us - ZERO customer service! BEWARE!. REDDIT [online]. 2015, Sep 9. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/3k6hx8/focus_zero_customer_service_beware/ (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).</ref> However, from the recent posts on ''Reddit'' it seems that their customer service improved.<ref>INCA431. Foc.us not working again. REDDIT [online]. 2016, Sep 12. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/52gy4l/focus_not_working_again/ (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).</ref>
+
Several customers reported dissatisfaction with Foc.us' customer service.<ref>UNDERXPOSEDBODY. Foc.us - ZERO customer service! BEWARE!. REDDIT [online]. 2015, Sep 9. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/3k6hx8/focus_zero_customer_service_beware/ (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).</ref> However, from the recent posts on ''Reddit'' it seems that their customer service has improved.<ref>INCA431. Foc.us not working again. REDDIT [online]. 2016, Sep 12. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/52gy4l/focus_not_working_again/ (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).</ref>
  
 
== Public Policy ==
 
== Public Policy ==
  
Foc.us was not approved by FDA since it is not a medical device.<ref name="Game Rant review"> DYCE, Andrew. Foc.us Headset Review. Game Rant [online]. Available online at: https://gamerant.com/focus-tdcs-headset-reviews/ (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).</ref>
+
Foc.us was not approved by the FDA since it is not a medical device.<ref name="Game Rant review"> DYCE, Andrew. Foc.us Headset Review. Game Rant [online]. 2013. Available online at: https://gamerant.com/focus-tdcs-headset-reviews/ (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).</ref>
  
 
It received FCC approval in June 2013.<ref name="The first commercial tDCS"/> FCC regulation relates to the amount of the radiation of the device.
 
It received FCC approval in June 2013.<ref name="The first commercial tDCS"/> FCC regulation relates to the amount of the radiation of the device.
  
Foc.us V2 obtained CE certified to Medical Standard 60601:2.<ref name="stimulator"/>
+
Foc.us V2 obtained a CE certified to Medical Standard 60601:2.<ref name="stimulator"/>
 +
 
 +
== Related Technologies, Projects, or Scientific Research ==
  
== Related Technologies, Projects or Scientific Research ==
+
The development of the Foc.us tDCS stimulator was based on the research concerning tDCS. However, the manufactures are engineers and not neuroscientists.<ref name="Ars Technica"/> They have not reported any independent research as so yet.
  
The development of Foc.us tDCS stimulator was based on the research concerning tDCS. However, the manufactures are engineers and not neuroscientists.<ref name="Ars Technica"/> They have not reported any independent research yet.
+
There is one paper that is focussed on the Foc.us V1 stimulator:
  
STEENBERGEN, Laura et al. [http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-015-4391-9 “Unfocus” on foc.us: commercial tDCS headset impairs working memory]. ''Experimental Brain Research'' 234 (2016), pp 637–643. Doi: 10.1007/s00221-015-4391-9 March 2016,  
+
* STEENBERGEN, Laura et al. [http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-015-4391-9 “Unfocus” on foc.us: commercial tDCS headset impairs working memory]. ''Experimental Brain Research'' 234 (2016), pp 637–643. Doi: 10.1007/s00221-015-4391-9 March 2016,  
  
Besides the paper mentioned above, the research were not conducted with Foc.us brain stimulator. It is however mentioned in several papers as a device which could be purchased and which deliver brain stimulation.<ref name="A pragmatic analysis"/><ref name="early adopters"/><ref>DUBLJEVIĆ, Veljko. The Rising Tide of tDCS in the Media and Academic Literature. Neuron [online].2014, May 21. Doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.05.003 Available online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627314003894 (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref>
+
Besides the paper mentioned above, research has not been conducted on the Foc.us brain stimulator. However, it is mentioned in several papers as a device that could be purchased and that delivers brain stimulation.<ref name="A pragmatic analysis"/><ref name="early adopters"/><ref>DUBLJEVIĆ, Veljko. The Rising Tide of tDCS in the Media and Academic Literature. Neuron [online].2014, May 21. Doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.05.003 Available online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627314003894 (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).</ref>
  
Foc.us also develops [[Go Flow Pro]] tDCS device.
+
Foc.us also develops the [[Go Flow Pro]] tDCS device.
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
[[Category:External Hardware or Software]]
 
[[Category:External Hardware or Software]]
 
[[Category:Electronic and Other Devices]]
 
[[Category:Electronic and Other Devices]]
 +
[[Category:Neurostimulation]]
 
[[Category:Brain Stimulation]]
 
[[Category:Brain Stimulation]]
 
[[Category:Transcranial direct-current stimulation]]
 
[[Category:Transcranial direct-current stimulation]]
 
[[Category:Cranial electrotherapy stimulation]]
 
[[Category:Cranial electrotherapy stimulation]]

Latest revision as of 10:04, 14 July 2017

Foc.us
Foc.us V2.jpeg
Category Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES)
Developer Transcranial Ltd.
Announced
Released Developers: 13th November 2014 (V2 edition)[1]
Consumers: June 2013 [2], May 2015 (V2)[3]
Price 299 USD , 399 USD Lucid Dreaming Kit (November 2016)
Max output 2 mA2 T
0.002 A
[4]
Session duration 2400 s40 minute
Scalp location Fp1 (above the left eye on the forehead) Fp2 (above the right eye on the forehead) (Foc.us V1 stimulator)[5]
Weight g (unknown)
Controls

joystick, button, tablet, personal computer, smartphone [6]

Data available
Risk factor
Medical prescription No
http://foc.us/v2

Foc.us is a small transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) device. It was developed by a London based company, Transcranial Ltd.[7] The first version of the device was focussed on video game players,[8] but the current version could be used for brain stimulation in general. In addition, the current version of Foc.us-Foc.us V2-could also deliver different types of brain stimulation, namely cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), and double blind sham stimulation.[7] Transcranial Ltd. also sells the Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit that is supposed to provide its users with lucid dreaming.[9]

The first version of the device consists of a headset that includes four sponge electrodes and a battery,[10] and the device is controlled by buttons and an app. It is also shipped with a small bottle and a charging cable.[8] Foc.us V2's package contains only a brain stimulator, recharging dock, a recharging cable, and a booklet. It does not include electrodes.[7] Its users can connect the device with electrodes that are sold by the Foc.us company, or electrodes from a third party.[11] The Lucid Dreaming Kit includes a Foc.us V2 brain stimulator, a sleeping mask, cables, and hydrogel.[9]


Main Characteristics

Foc.us is a standalone device, but its functions are enlarged when it is linked with PC, tablet, or smartphone. This device does not require a medical prescription. However, certain customers should avoid its use due to their specific health conditions such as a history of seizures.[12]

The first version of the device was presented as a headset for video-game players. The headset was made of hard plastic and contained four copper sponge electrodes. Due to construction of the Foc.us device, the position of electrodes was settled to some extent.[13] However, Foc.us also allowed a different placement of electrodes if the user purchased the accessory kit. The kit contained two separate electrodes that could be connect to the headset by cables.[14] There were buttons on the back side of the device that controlled the session.[15] The device was charged by the charging cable or the recharging station, and the power was stored in a 3.7 V lithium polymer type battery.[10] When the device was produced, the iOS and Android apps were not finished.[14] Afterwards, the iOS app was introduced, but the Android app was dependent on the upgrade of the Android system.[12]

Foc.us V1 in the recharging station

In contrast to Foc.us V1, Foc.us V2 does not contain a headset or even electrodes. The Foc.us V2 brain stimulator is shipped just with a dock station for charging the device, cables, and the instruction booklet. For safety's sake, Foc.us V2 also includes triple current regulation, voltage control, and misuse timers. The user could choose the session through the joystick and app. The app controls the device via Bluetooth. The device could provide various ways of stimulation, namely transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), and double-blind sham stimulation. Since the stimulation is regulated by the app, the developers claim that there could be some other types of stimulation added in future.[7] There are apps for Windows, OS X, and Ubuntu systems for Foc.us V2.[16]

Foc.us provides three types of electrodes for Foc.us V2 that however, have to be purchased separately. The Foc.us Gamer headset and the Foc.us Edge headset each cost 79 USD and contain sponge electrodes, while Moovs sticky electrodes are not available at the moment.[17] The Gamer headset has a similar purpose as the V1 device, namely, it focusses on gamers. However, its electrodes could be removed from the headset and used separately. The Edge headset should help athletes enhance their sports performance.[18] On 9 December 2016, manufacturers announced that the Foc.us V2 device would be shipped with a free 10-20 headcap pack.[19]

Consumers could also purchase a Lucid Dreaming Kit that consists of a Foc.us V2 brain stimulator, a sleep mask with electrodes, hydrogel, and cables.[9] The sleep mask could also be purchased separately for 9 USD.[20]

A session with the Foc.us V2 device could take from 1 minute to 40 minutes, and the current can vary from 0.1 mA to 2 mA. There should be a 48-hour gap between each session. The device contains an overuse time prevention to 24 or 48 hours. The maximal voltage that could be delivered by Foc.us V2 is 60 V, but a user could lessen it manually up to 15 V.[7] If the sponge electrodes are used, they have to be moistened before the start of the session by water or saline.[21] In cases where the sticky electrodes are used, the skin has to be clean in order to avoid burning of the skin.[22]

The first available tDCS device is GoFlow, which was developed in 2012 by two students at the University of Michigan named Matt Sornson and Nick Woodhams.[23] However, they were, unsuccessful, and therefore supported the project that was later developed by Foc.us.[24] The first available tDCS device was therefore Foc.us V1. It was shipped in June 2013 when developers obtained FCC approval.[2] The new version of the Foc.us V2 stimulator was unveiled in November 2014 for developers at first.[1] Customers could buy Foc.us V2 stimulator starting in May 2015.[3]

Lucid Dreaming Kit

Purpose

The main aim of the Foc.us V1 stimulator was to enhance skills that are essential for gamers. The Foc.us V2 stimulator focusses not only on gamers but also athletes and those who want to practise lucid dreaming.

Company & People

Foc.us was developed by Transcranial Ltd., which is based in London, UK. This company was founded by two engineers. They claim, however, that they cooperate with neuroscientist:[25]

  • Michael Oxley: Co-founder and CEO of Foc.us
  • Martin Skinner: Co-founder of Foc.us[25]

Important Dates

  • May 2013: Pre-orders of Foc.us V1 began[26]
  • June 2013: Foc.us V1 was approved by the FCC and could be shipped to customers[2]
  • 13th November 2014: The developers edition of the Foc.us V2 stimulator was available for developers[1]
  • 15th May 2015: The Foc.us V2 stimulator was available for regular customers[3]

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

The cognitive enhancement linked with the Foc.us stimulator is based on neurostimulation, even though there are certain studies that claim it does not have the presumed effect.[27] This is the first device focussed primarily on transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), which is non-invasive stimulation of brain neurons by a direct current. The current is delivered by hydrogel sticky electrodes or saline- or water-soaked electrodes. The current is not high enough to let the neurons fire, but it is supposed to make certain changes in their level of excitability. An anode makes the neurons more likely to fire for a certain amount of time, while a cathode impairs their excitability.[28] The Foc.us V2 stimulator could also deliver cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS).

In contrast to tDCS, CES delivers an alternating current. The currents alternate in a certain amplitude (usually less than 4 mA). The precise mechanism of the stimulation has not been sufficiently investigated yet. It is suggested that the current alters the connectivity of neurons.[29] tPCS is based on the alternating current; hence, it is a specific type of CES. In order to provide tPCS the device has to deliver pulses in a rectangular amplitude.[30] tRNS is also a stimulation by the alternating current. Contrary to previously introduced stimulations, the current changes randomly in tRNS stimulation. It ranges within a chosen spectrum.[31]

The Foc.us V1 device was developed primarily for the enhancement of cognitive abilities involved in playing video games. Certain reviewers reported in increase of a gaming performance.[12][8] However, research conducted by Laura Steenbergen and her colleagues suggest that Foc.us V1 impairs working memory.[32] This paper caused great controversy in DIY tDCS community, and the relevance of the research was doubted. The controversy is exposed on DIY tDCS websites.[33]

The Foc.us V2 with the EDGE headset is intended for the enhancement of sports performance. This enhancement is described in Foc.us' blog posts.[34][35][36] Primarily, any enhancement of sports performance has to precede or be linked with a training. They claim that tDCS stimulation could enhance implicit motor learning. The session requires electrode placement at F3 (high on the left forehead) for cathode and at FP2 (just above the right eye on the forehead) for anode, regardless of whether the user is right- or left-handed.[37] It should take 15 minutes and the recommended current is 1.5 mA.[34] The design of the session was in accordance with research conducted the University of Hong Kong, even though the researchers used a different tDCS device.[38] Another enhancement consists in training longer. The session requires electrode placement on the left temple at T3 (anode) and the contralateral shoulder (cathode) and takes 20 minutes. The recommended current is 2 mA.[36] The session is based on previously conducted research.[39] Finally, the developers argue that tDCS stimulation could increase the intensity of training. In order to obtain these results, they recommend a 20-minutes stimulation with a current 2 mA. The electrodes should be placed at F3 (anode) and the contralateral shoulder (cathode). There is also a study where this setting was used previously.[40]

Foc.us claims that using their device during sleep could lead to lucid dreaming.[41] There is research that argues CES stimulation of gamma frequencies during sleep could induce a lucid dreaming during rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep.[42]

The developers clearly claim that the Foc.us stimulator is not a medical device and hence it is not suitable for therapeutic treatment.[43] They attempted to avoid FDA concerns. However, Foc.us' motto "take charge" could be considered as a kind of medical claim.[23]

Ethical & Health Issues

There are various health and ethical issues connected with different types of current stimulation. Some of them clearly apply to Foc.us devices. There is also one health issue that was observed by users of the Foc.us V1 stimulator, namely, skin burns.

Moovs: Foc.us' sticky electrodes

In an open letter published in Annals of Neurology, Rachel Wurzman and her colleagues express various concerns regarding tDCS devices, primarily those used outside of laboratories. First, they claim that stimulation tends to influence more region than those users intend to stimulate, since electrodes extend the region to other areas affected by the stimulation. This could lead to unintended effects. Second, brain stimulation interferes with other activities, and therefore could have unintended effects. Third, the enhancement of one skill could lead to impairment of other skills. Fourth, a small difference in the design of the session could change the whole output of the session. Fifth, the brain of each person is unique, and placement of electrodes could differ. In addition, the excitability of each brain varies among tDCS users.[44]

As was mentioned in the previous paragraph, the correct design of a session and an accurate placement of electrodes is essential to the results of the session. Anna Wexler points out that people involved in the DIY tDCS community tends to be acquainted with the research,[45] and Anita Jwa stresses that the community regulates those who make dangerous mistakes and advises them.[28] However, since the device could be purchased by anyone the lack of information could be harmful.

From an ethical point of view, the use of tDCS devices in sports could be controversial. There is still a possibility that this treatment could be considered doping. However, WADA and the International Olympic Committee have not maintained any concerns regarding tDCS devices as of yet. They still monitor, however, their usage.[46]

Users also reported various injuries caused by the Foc.us V1 device, especially skin burns, generating of current spikes,[47] and a loss of consciousness after using the Foc.us device.[48] The debater named 'ohsnapitsnathan' argues that the complaints could be partially caused by the fact that the Foc.us device is the most used tDCS device on Reddit. However, he also points out that Foc.us V1's sponge electrodes are smaller than regular tDCS sponge electrodes and that the placement of electrodes that is used in the device has not been tested in laboratories.[49]

Moreover, it was deemed that the design of the Foc.us V1 stimulator, namely, the placement of electrodes, could lead to an increase of aggression in its users.[50][12]

On their website Foc.us warns that their device should not be used by anybody under 18, since his or her brain is still developing. They also point out the most common risks: skin burns, dizziness, and headaches.[43] The developers stress that the device should not be used by patients suffering from bipolar depression, epilepsy, seizures, severe heart disease, or brain lesions.[21]

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

The Foc.us stimulator is usually well-evaluated by customers. For instance, the customer 'Labratoullie' argues:

My partner uses it for gaming and it actually does improve his reaction speeds and overall gaming. I use it for morning wake up...it is better than 6 cups of coffee for me, I would know being an addict, and the jolt it gives me is fabulous! My brain processing speed is faster and multitasking is a breeze. For the entire day I'm focused and alert, can't really explain it but I LOVE THIS THING!![51]

However, there were also unsatisfied consumers. A consumer with the nick-name 'mH' complains:

You customer service is nonexistent, your software doesn't work, your website looks and functions like it was designed by a 3 year old throwing a temper tantrum. Of all of the companies I've ever done business with, you rand dead last on who I'd ever recommend![52]

Kate Murphy from The New York Times reported that the first production of the Foc.us device was sold very soon:

Available online since May, the device was sold out of its first production run of 3,000 in less than a month. “The response has been overwhelming,” said Michael Oxley, a mechanical engineer who is the company’s founder and president.[26]

In the video produced by the BBC, Dr. Hannah Maslen claims that Foc.us focussed on video game players in order to avoid FDA investigation.

If you were to make a treatment claim, that the device would alleviate symptoms or treat a recognised disease or illness, the device would automatically fall under the medical devices directive and the legislation associated with that.[53]

As was mentioned in the previous section, there were several complaints concerning health issues caused by Foc.us V1 stimulators. For instance the user 'packmanta' reports:

Okay, I'm still kind of freaking out about this. The instant I put the electrodes to my forehead I saw a bright white flash that seemed to envelop my vision and then momentarily lost consciousness. When I came to, my heart was pounding and I was dizzy, nauseated, and had prickling sensations in my arms and fingers. I lay down and that seemed to help, but I'm still feeling a bit "out of body".[48]

However, the user later claims that the undesirable effects were caused by the fact that he or she used the device in an inappropriate way.[54]

Several customers reported dissatisfaction with Foc.us' customer service.[55] However, from the recent posts on Reddit it seems that their customer service has improved.[56]

Public Policy

Foc.us was not approved by the FDA since it is not a medical device.[8]

It received FCC approval in June 2013.[2] FCC regulation relates to the amount of the radiation of the device.

Foc.us V2 obtained a CE certified to Medical Standard 60601:2.[7]

Related Technologies, Projects, or Scientific Research

The development of the Foc.us tDCS stimulator was based on the research concerning tDCS. However, the manufactures are engineers and not neuroscientists.[25] They have not reported any independent research as so yet.

There is one paper that is focussed on the Foc.us V1 stimulator:

Besides the paper mentioned above, research has not been conducted on the Foc.us brain stimulator. However, it is mentioned in several papers as a device that could be purchased and that delivers brain stimulation.[23][28][57]

Foc.us also develops the Go Flow Pro tDCS device.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 FOC.US. After a long anticipated wait the new Foc.us V2 Developer edition is now available for pre order!!. Facebook [online]. 2014, Nov 13. Available online at: https://www.facebook.com/focusgamer (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 ANTHONY, Sebastian. Foc.us: The first commercial tDCS headset that lets you safely overclock your brain. ExtremeTech [online]. 2013, Jul 30. Available online at: https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/162581-foc-us-the-first-commercial-tdcs-headset-that-lets-you-safely-overclock-your-brain (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 FOC.US. Foc.us take charge - tdcs - tdcs devices available to buy. Facebook [online]. 2015, May 15. Available online at: https://www.facebook.com/focusgamer (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  4. FOC.US. Curent Regulation in foc.us v2. Foc.us [online]. 2015, Feb 16. Available online at: http://help.foc.us/article/11-curent-regulation-in-foc-us-v2 (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).
  5. WILLIAMS, Brent. The foc.us tDCS Headset, Review Part 4, Electrode Placements. Speak Wisdom [online]. Available online at: 2013, Aug 13. https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/the-foc-us-tdcs-headset-review-part-4-electrode-placements/ (Retrieved 23th April, 2017).
  6. FOC.US. Do I need an app to control foc.us v2?. Foc.us [online]. 2014, Nov 13. Available online at: http://help.foc.us/article/6-do-i-need-an-app-to-control-foc-us-v2 (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 FOC.US. The foc.us v2 stimulator. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/v2 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 DYCE, Andrew. Foc.us Headset Review. Game Rant [online]. 2013. Available online at: https://gamerant.com/focus-tdcs-headset-reviews/ (Retrieved 24th November, 2016).
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 FOC.US. Focus Lucid Dreaming Kit. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-lucid-dreaming-kit (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  10. 10.0 10.1 KOUZANI, Abbas Z. et al. Development and Validation of a Miniature Programmable tDCS Device. IEEE Transactions of Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering [online]. 2015, Aug. Doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2015.2468579 Available online at: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7202867/?arnumber=7202867&tag=1 (Retrieved 23rd November, 2016).
  11. WILLIAMS, Brent. Solid Advice on Selecting foc.us V2 Device and Accessories. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2015, Sep 20. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/solid-advice-on-selecting-foc-us-tdcs-and-accessories/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 YAMADA, Kannon. Foc.us tDCS Headset Review and Giveaway. MakeUseOf [online]. 2014, Sep 30. Available online at: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/foc-us-tdcs-headset-review-and-giveaway/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  13. WILLIAMS, Brent. The foc.us tDCS Headset, Part 2, Electrode Basics. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2013, Aug 21. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/the-foc-us-headset-part-2-electrode-basics/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  14. 14.0 14.1 WILLIAMS, Brent. The New foc.us tDCS Headset, Part 1. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2013, Aug 19. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/19/the-new-foc-us-tdcs-headset-part-1/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  15. LEE, Nicole. Foc.us headset claims to shock the brain for better gaming, we go forehead-on. Engadget [online]. 2013, May 17. Available online at: https://www.engadget.com/2013/05/17/focus-headset-tdcs/ (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  16. FOC.US. Downloads. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/v2/downloads (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  17. FOC.US. Hardware. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/all-products?SID=8ra4r8d2os79ll9iclduh9dmj7?SID=8ra4r8d2os79ll9iclduh9dmj7 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  18. WILLIAMS, Brent. Using the foc.us V2 with the Gamer or Your Own Electrodes. Speak Wisdom [online]. 2015, Jan 8. Available online at: https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2015/01/08/using-the-foc-us-v2-with-the-gamer-or-your-own-electrodes/ (Retrieved 28th November, 2016).
  19. OXLEY, Michael. Free 10-20 Cap with v2. Foc.us Blog [online]. 2016, Dec 9. Available online at: https://www.foc.us/blog/free-10-20-cap-with-v2.html (Retrieved 9th December, 2016).
  20. FOC.US. Foc.us lucid dreams sleep mask. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-sleep-mask (Retrieved 28th November, 2016).
  21. 21.0 21.1 FOC.US. Focus Go Flow Manual & Instruction Booklet. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://help.foc.us//article/38-focus-go-flow-manual-instruction-booklet (Retrieved 28th November, 2016).
  22. OHSNAPITSNATHAN. PSA: Sticky electrodes and skin burns. Reddit [online]. 2016, Jul 2. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/4qx8ic/psa_sticky_electrodes_and_skin_burns/ (Retrieved 14th November, 2016).
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 WEXLER, Anna. A pragmatic analysis of the regulation of consumer transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) devices in the United States. Journal of Law and the Biosciences [online]. 2015, Oct 12. Available online at: http://jlb.oxfordjournals.org/content/2/3/669.full.pdf+html (Retrieved 1st November, 2016).
  24. JOHN. News from GoFlow! Good and Bad. DIY tDCS [online] 2013, Jun 7. Available online at: http://www.diytdcs.com/2013/06/news-from-goflow-good-and-bad/ (Retrieved 1st November, 2016).
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 GEUSS, Megan. The gaming headset that (literally) shocks your brain to attention. Ars Technica [online]. 2013, May 19. Available online at: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/05/the-gaming-headset-that-literally-shocks-your-brain-to-attention/ (Retrieved 15th November, 2016).
  26. 26.0 26.1 MURPHY, Kate. Jump-Starter Kits for the Mind. New York Times [online]. 2013, Oct 28. Available online at: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/29/science/jump-starter-kits-for-the-mind.html (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  27. HORVATH, Jared Cooney et al. Quantitative Review Finds No Evidence of Cognitive Effects in Healthy Populations From Single-session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Brain Stimulation [online]. 2015, Jan 16. Doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.01.400 Available online at: http://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(15)00857-8/abstract (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).
  28. 28.0 28.1 28.2 JWA, Anita. Early adopters of the magical thinking cap: a study on do-it-yourself (DIY) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) user community. Journal of Law and the Biosciences [online]. 2015, Jun 2. Doi: 10.1093/jlb/lsv017 Available online at: http://jlb.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/06/01/jlb.lsv017.full.pdf+html (Retrieved 22nd November, 2016).
  29. MASLEN, Hannah et al. Mind Machines: The Regulation of Cognitive Enhancement Devices. Oxford Martin Policy Paper [online]. Available online at: http://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/downloads/briefings/Mind_Machines.pdf (Retrieved 29th November, 2016).
  30. MORALES-QUEZADA, Leon. Cognitive effects and autonomic responses to transcranial pulsed current stimulation. Experimental Brain Research [online]. 2014, Dec 6. Doi: 10.1007/s00221-014-4147-y Available online at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-014-4147-y (Retrieved 29th November, 2016).
  31. POPESCU, Tudor. Transcranial random noise stimulation mitigates increased difficulty in an arithmetic learning task. Neuropsychologia [online]. 2015, Dec 28. Doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.12.028 Available online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028393215302682 (Retrieved 29th November, 2016).
  32. STEENBERGEN, Laura et al. “Unfocus” on foc.us: commercial tDCS headset impairs working memory. Experimental Brain Research [online]. 2015, Aug 18. Doi: 10.1007/s00221-015-4391-9 Available online at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00221-015-4391-9 (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).
  33. JOHN. “Unfocus” on foc.us study (was…) Widely available brain training device could impair memory: study. DIY tDCS [online]. 2015, Aug 18. Available online at: http://www.diytdcs.com/2015/08/widely-available-brain-training-device-could-impair-memory-study-yahoo-news/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).
  34. 34.0 34.1 RAJESH. Last longer and train harder: Foc.us on endurance. Foc.us Blog [online]. 2016, Oct 10. Available online at: https://www.foc.us/blog/last-longer-and-train-harder-focus-on-endurance.html (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).
  35. OXLEY, Michael. tDCS Placements 10/20 Guide. Foc.us Blog [online]. 2016, Sep 1. Available online at: https://www.foc.us/blog/tdcs-placements-10-20-guide.html (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).
  36. 36.0 36.1 RAJESH. Achieve Sporting Prowess with Foc.us Brain Stimulation. Foc.us Blog [online]. 2016, Jul 25. Available online at: https://www.foc.us/blog/achieve-sporting-prowess-with-focus-brain-stimulation.html (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).
  37. WILLIAMS, Brent. The foc.us tDCS Headset, Review Part 4, Electrode Placements. Speak Wisdom [online]. Available online at: 2013, Aug 13. https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/the-foc-us-tdcs-headset-review-part-4-electrode-placements/ (Retrieved 23th April, 2017).
  38. ZHU, Frank P. et al. Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Area Promotes Implicit Motor Learning in a Golf Putting Task. Brain Stimulation [online]. 2015, Mar 14. Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2015.02.005 (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).
  39. OKANO, Alexandre Hideki et al. Brain stimulation modulates the autonomic nervous system, rating of perceived exertion and performance during maximal exercise. British Journal of Sports Medicine [online]. 2013, Feb 27. Doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091658 Available online at: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/49/18/1213 (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).
  40. AYACHE, Samar S. et al. Prefrontal tDCS Decreases Pain in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Frontiers in Neuroscience [online]. 2016, Apr 08. Doi:10.3389/fnins.2016.00147 Available online at: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnins.2016.00147/full (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).
  41. FOC.US. Lucid Dream Stimulation. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/focus-lucid-dreams (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).
  42. PAYNE, Jessica D. The (gamma) power to control our dreams. Nature Neuroscience [online]. 2014, May 27 May. Doi: 10.1038/nn.3727 Available online at: http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v17/n6/full/nn.3727.html (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).
  43. 43.0 43.1 FOC.US. DIY tDCS. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://www.foc.us/diy-tdcs (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).
  44. WURZMAN, Rachel et al. An open letter concerning do-it-yourself users of transcranial direct current stimulation. Annals of Neurology [online]. 2016, Jul 7. Doi: 10.1002/ana.24689 Available online at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.24689/abstract (Retrieved 16th November, 2016).
  45. WEXLER, Anna. The practices of do-it-yourself brain stimulation: implications for ethical considerations and regulatory proposals. Journal of Medical Ethics [online]. 2015, Aug 31. Doi: 10.1136/medethics-2015-102704 Available online at: http://jme.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/30/medethics-2015-102704.abstract (Retrieved 18th November, 2016).
  46. STRICKLAND, Eliza. Olympic Athletes Are Electrifying Their Brains, and You Can Too. IEEE Spectrum [online]. 2016, Aug 23. Available online at: http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/bionics/olympic-athletes-are-electrifying-their-brains-and-you-can-too (Retrieved 12th September, 2016).
  47. OHSNAPITSNATHAN. Update on the electrical safety of the foc.us. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Mar 16. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/20jzrd/update_on_the_electrical_safety_of_the_focus/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).
  48. 48.0 48.1 PACKMANTA. First time using Foc.us: saw bright white flash, passed out momentarily. Help. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Feb 16. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/1y1vlz/first_time_using_focus_saw_bright_white_flash/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).
  49. OHSNAPITSNATHAN. PSA: Potential safety issues with the foc.us. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Feb 17. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/1y5otr/psa_potential_safety_issues_with_the_focus/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).
  50. A MODERN MONK. New to tDCS? 5 Tips that will save you from headaches, shocks, and burns. Medium [online]. 2014, Jul 18. Available online at: https://medium.com/tdcs-and-neurodynamics/new-to-tdcs-5-tips-that-will-save-you-from-headaches-shocks-and-burns-1672790f68e8#.i3fsvhr5m (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).
  51. LABRATOULLIE. Oh heck yeah. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/review/product/list/id/923/ (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).
  52. MH. You really don't want my revie. Foc.us [online]. Available online at: http://eu.foc.us/review/product/list/id/923/?filter=one-star (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).
  53. HOGENBOOM, Melissa. Warning over electrical brain stimulation. BBC [online]. 2014, Aug 24. Available online at: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27343047 (Retrieved 25th November, 2016).
  54. PACKMANTA. PSA: Potential safety issues with the foc.us. REDDIT [online]. 2014, Feb 17. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/1y5otr/psa_potential_safety_issues_with_the_focus/ (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).
  55. UNDERXPOSEDBODY. Foc.us - ZERO customer service! BEWARE!. REDDIT [online]. 2015, Sep 9. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/3k6hx8/focus_zero_customer_service_beware/ (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).
  56. INCA431. Foc.us not working again. REDDIT [online]. 2016, Sep 12. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/tDCS/comments/52gy4l/focus_not_working_again/ (Retrieved 1st December, 2016).
  57. DUBLJEVIĆ, Veljko. The Rising Tide of tDCS in the Media and Academic Literature. Neuron [online].2014, May 21. Doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.05.003 Available online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627314003894 (Retrieved 30th November, 2016).