Difference between revisions of "Halo Sport"

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developer_release_commentary=<ref name="interview"> BROWN, Ayliffe. Neurotechnology To Unlock Human Potential: Interview with Halo Neuroscience CEO, Dr. Daniel Chao. Wearable Technologies [online]. 2016, June 28. Available online at: https://www.wearable-technologies.com/2016/06/neurotechnology-to-unlock-human-potential-interview-with-halo-neuroscience-ceo-dr-daniel-chao/ (Retrieved 31st August, 2016). </ref>|
 
developer_release_commentary=<ref name="interview"> BROWN, Ayliffe. Neurotechnology To Unlock Human Potential: Interview with Halo Neuroscience CEO, Dr. Daniel Chao. Wearable Technologies [online]. 2016, June 28. Available online at: https://www.wearable-technologies.com/2016/06/neurotechnology-to-unlock-human-potential-interview-with-halo-neuroscience-ceo-dr-daniel-chao/ (Retrieved 31st August, 2016). </ref>|
 
consumers_release= 16 November 2016|
 
consumers_release= 16 November 2016|
consumers_release_commentary= <ref name="public availability">Halo Neuroscience. Halo Neuroscience announces public availability of Halo Sport. Halo Neuroscience Company News [online]. 2016, Nov 16. Available online at: https://medium.com/@HaloNeuroscience/halo-neuroscience-announces-public-availability-of-halo-sport-ef4ff9396e69#.r3g9wxcdf (Retrieved 18th November, 2016). </ref>|
+
consumers_release_commentary= <ref name="public availability">Halo Neuroscience. Halo Neuroscience announces public availability of Halo Sport. Medium [online]. 2016, Nov 16. Available online at: https://medium.com/@HaloNeuroscience/halo-neuroscience-announces-public-availability-of-halo-sport-ef4ff9396e69#.r3g9wxcdf (Retrieved 18th November, 2016). </ref>|
 
price=699|
 
price=699|
 
price_commentary= (November 2016)<ref>Halo Neuroscience. Halo Sport System.  Halo Sport [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/products/halo-sport-system (Retrieved 18th November, 2016).</ref>|
 
price_commentary= (November 2016)<ref>Halo Neuroscience. Halo Sport System.  Halo Sport [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/products/halo-sport-system (Retrieved 18th November, 2016).</ref>|
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scalp_location=C3 and C4 or Cz|
 
scalp_location=C3 and C4 or Cz|
 
scalp_location_commentary=<ref name="HN2"> Halo Neuroscience. Bihemispheric Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation with Halo Neurostimulation System over Primary Motor Cortex Enhances Rate of Force Development in an Isometric Lateral Pinch Force Task. Halo Sport [online]. 2016, Feb 10. Available online at: https://halo-website-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/whitepapers/mvc.pdf (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016). </ref> <ref name="real world"> Halo Neuroscience. A Real World Investigation into the Benefits of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to the Primary Motor Cortex on Muscular Performance in Elite Athletes. Halo Sport [online]. 2016, Feb 10. Available online at: https://halo-website-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/whitepapers/mjp.pdf (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016).</ref>|
 
scalp_location_commentary=<ref name="HN2"> Halo Neuroscience. Bihemispheric Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation with Halo Neurostimulation System over Primary Motor Cortex Enhances Rate of Force Development in an Isometric Lateral Pinch Force Task. Halo Sport [online]. 2016, Feb 10. Available online at: https://halo-website-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/whitepapers/mvc.pdf (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016). </ref> <ref name="real world"> Halo Neuroscience. A Real World Investigation into the Benefits of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to the Primary Motor Cortex on Muscular Performance in Elite Athletes. Halo Sport [online]. 2016, Feb 10. Available online at: https://halo-website-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/whitepapers/mjp.pdf (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016).</ref>|
weight=|
+
weight=340.2|
weight_commentary=|
+
weight_commentary=<ref>Halo Neuroscience. Halo Sport System. Halo Sport [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/products/halo-sport-system (Retrieved 13th December, 2016).</ref>|
 
controls1= smartphone|
 
controls1= smartphone|
 
controls2=tablet|
 
controls2=tablet|
 
controls10=|
 
controls10=|
 
controls_commentary=<ref name="HN2"/> <ref name="set up">Halo Neuroscience. Halo Sport Set Up. Halo Sport [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/set-up (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016).</ref>|
 
controls_commentary=<ref name="HN2"/> <ref name="set up">Halo Neuroscience. Halo Sport Set Up. Halo Sport [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/set-up (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016).</ref>|
data_available=Good|
+
data_available=|
risk_factor=Low|
+
risk_factor=|
 
medical_prescription=No|
 
medical_prescription=No|
 
link_to_website=https://www.haloneuro.com|
 
link_to_website=https://www.haloneuro.com|
 
}}
 
}}
  
Halo Sport is head mounted device, which provides [[transcranial direct-current stimulation]] (tDCS). It was developed by Halo Neuroscience as a tDCS device, which could be safely used outside laboratories. The device consists of a wearable headset on which are placed two electrodes and a neurostimulator, which is powered by battery.<ref> Halo Neuroscience. Bihemispheric Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation with Halo Neurostimulation System over Primary Motor Cortex Enhances Fine Motor Skills Learning in a Complex Hand Configuration Task. Halo Sport [online]. 2016, Feb 10. Available online at: https://halo-website-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/whitepapers/cct.pdf (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016). </ref> The electrodes are entitled "primers" by Halo Neuroscience.<ref name="set up"/> Apart from tDCS, they provide also tVFS (transcranial variable frequency stimulation).<ref name="HN3"> Halo Neuroscience. Safety of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation delivered via the Halo Neurostimulation System in Healthy Human Subjects. Halo Sport [online]. 2016, Feb 10. Available online at: https://halo-website-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/whitepapers/safety.pdf (Retrieved 9th November, 2016).</ref> The both methods are referred as "neuropriming".<ref name="set up"/>
+
Halo Sport is head mounted device, which provides [[transcranial direct-current stimulation]] (tDCS). It was developed by Halo Neuroscience as a tDCS device, which could be safely used outside laboratories. The device consists of a wearable headset on which are placed two electrodes and a neurostimulator, which is powered by battery.<ref> Halo Neuroscience. Bihemispheric Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation with Halo Neurostimulation System over Primary Motor Cortex Enhances Fine Motor Skills Learning in a Complex Hand Configuration Task. Halo Sport [online]. 2016, Feb 10. Available online at: https://halo-website-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/whitepapers/cct.pdf (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016). </ref> The electrodes are entitled "primers" by Halo Neuroscience.<ref name="set up"/> Apart from tDCS, they provide also transcranial variable frequency stimulation (tVFS).<ref name="HN3"> Halo Neuroscience. Safety of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation delivered via the Halo Neurostimulation System in Healthy Human Subjects. Halo Sport [online]. 2016, Feb 10. Available online at: https://halo-website-static-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/whitepapers/safety.pdf (Retrieved 9th November, 2016).</ref> The both methods are referred as "neuropriming".<ref name="set up"/>
  
The device stimulates motor cortex. If it is used during a training, it is supposed to enhance motor abilities of its users,<ref>Halo Neuroscience. Media & Press. Halo Sport [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/press (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016).</ref> which could make the training more effective. This feature was appraised by several sport organisations as US Ski and Snowboard Association, Michael Johnson Performance, or Invictus that take a part in Halo Sport's testing.<ref name= "crazy new wearable"/> Halo Sport is also used by U.S. Department of Defense for improving skills of special operations forces.<ref name"Defense"> Halo Neuroscience. Department of Defense Selects Halo Sport to Train Special Ops Forces. Halo Neuroscience Company News [online]. 2016, Aug 4. Available online at: https://medium.com/halo-neuroscience-company-news/department-of-defense-selects-halo-sport-to-train-special-ops-forces-e0fd3b8d8c6a#.no7clt9vr (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016).</ref>
+
The device stimulates motor cortex. If it is used during a training, it is supposed to enhance motor abilities of its users,<ref>Halo Neuroscience. Media & Press. Halo Sport [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/press (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016).</ref> which could make the training more effective. This feature was appraised by several sport organisations as US Ski and Snowboard Association, Michael Johnson Performance, or Invictus that take a part in Halo Sport's testing.<ref name= "crazy new wearable"/> Halo Sport is also used by U.S. Department of Defense for improving skills of special operations forces.<ref name"Defense"> Halo Neuroscience. Department of Defense Selects Halo Sport to Train Special Ops Forces. Medium [online]. 2016, Aug 4. Available online at: https://medium.com/halo-neuroscience-company-news/department-of-defense-selects-halo-sport-to-train-special-ops-forces-e0fd3b8d8c6a#.no7clt9vr (Retrieved 2nd September, 2016).</ref>
  
== Main characteristics ==
+
== Main Characteristics ==
  
 
Halo Sport is standalone fully enclosed device. The device consists of headset, three electrodes, ear-pads, USB charging cable, USB wall adapter and spray bottle.<ref> Halo Neuroscience. What comes in the box?. Halo Neuroscience Support [online]. Available online at: https://support.haloneuro.com/hc/en-us/articles/216200097-What-comes-in-the-box- (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref>
 
Halo Sport is standalone fully enclosed device. The device consists of headset, three electrodes, ear-pads, USB charging cable, USB wall adapter and spray bottle.<ref> Halo Neuroscience. What comes in the box?. Halo Neuroscience Support [online]. Available online at: https://support.haloneuro.com/hc/en-us/articles/216200097-What-comes-in-the-box- (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref>
In the headset could be placed two or three electrodes. The electrodes are located at C3, C4<ref name="HN2"/> resp. Cz<ref name="real world"/>. In contrast to other [[Transcranial direct-current stimulation|transcranial direct-current stimulation's]] devices the position of electrodes is settled. Electrodes can be removed, but not placed to any other location on scalp.<ref name="Halo is building"> LOMAS, Natasha. Halo is building a wearable to make athletes better, stronger, faster. TechCrunch [online]. 2016, May 9. Available online at: https://techcrunch.com/2016/05/09/halo-is-building-a-wearable-to-make-athletes-better-stronger-faster/ (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref> Electrodes consist of foam spikes<ref name="jump higher"/> and they must be changed after three month's use.<ref> SAWH, Michael. Halo Sport headphones will zap an athlete's brain to train harder: Brain detecting wearable will prepare you for your next big session. Wareable [online]. 2016, May 10. Available online at:  https://www.wareable.com/sport/halo-sport-headphones-zap-an-athletes-brain-to-train-harder-2691 (Retrieved 31st October, 2016). </ref> In addition, electrodes need to be wet before the start of every session.<ref>Halo Neuroscience. Do I need to wet my Primers before my Neuropriming session?. Halo Neuroscience Support [online]. Available online at: https://support.haloneuro.com/hc/en-us/articles/231523068-Do-I-need-to-wet-my-Primers-before-my-Neuropriming-session- (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref>
+
In the headset could be placed two or three electrodes. The electrodes are placed at (left) C3, (right) C4 placement (above the ear, halfway to the center of the head) <ref name="HN2"/> resp. at CZ placement (center of the head)<ref name="real world"/>. In contrast to other tDCS devices the position of electrodes is settled. Electrodes can be removed, but not placed to any other location on scalp.<ref name="Halo is building"> LOMAS, Natasha. Halo is building a wearable to make athletes better, stronger, faster. TechCrunch [online]. 2016, May 9. Available online at: https://techcrunch.com/2016/05/09/halo-is-building-a-wearable-to-make-athletes-better-stronger-faster/ (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref> Electrodes consist of foam spikes<ref name="jump higher"/> and they must be changed after three month's use.<ref> SAWH, Michael. Halo Sport headphones will zap an athlete's brain to train harder: Brain detecting wearable will prepare you for your next big session. Wareable [online]. 2016, May 10. Available online at:  https://www.wareable.com/sport/halo-sport-headphones-zap-an-athletes-brain-to-train-harder-2691 (Retrieved 31st October, 2016). </ref> In addition, electrodes need to be wet before the start of every session.<ref>Halo Neuroscience. Do I need to wet my Primers before my Neuropriming session?. Halo Neuroscience Support [online]. Available online at: https://support.haloneuro.com/hc/en-us/articles/231523068-Do-I-need-to-wet-my-Primers-before-my-Neuropriming-session- (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref>
  
 
The headset could be plugged in phone and played music as a regular headphone. The phone and Halo Sport have to be connected by a 3.5 mm audio cable which is included in the box. However, it does not play music over Bluetooth.<ref>Halo Neuroscience. Can Halo Sport play music?. Halo Neuroscience Support [online]. Available online at: https://support.haloneuro.com/hc/en-us/articles/216200257 (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref>
 
The headset could be plugged in phone and played music as a regular headphone. The phone and Halo Sport have to be connected by a 3.5 mm audio cable which is included in the box. However, it does not play music over Bluetooth.<ref>Halo Neuroscience. Can Halo Sport play music?. Halo Neuroscience Support [online]. Available online at: https://support.haloneuro.com/hc/en-us/articles/216200257 (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref>
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* Brett Wingeier - co-founder CTO of Halo Neuroscience
 
* Brett Wingeier - co-founder CTO of Halo Neuroscience
 
* Amol Sarva - co-founder and Board Member of Halo Neuroscience<ref name="company"> Halo Neuroscience. Company. Halo Neuroscience [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/company (Retrieved 12th September, 2016). </ref>
 
* Amol Sarva - co-founder and Board Member of Halo Neuroscience<ref name="company"> Halo Neuroscience. Company. Halo Neuroscience [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/company (Retrieved 12th September, 2016). </ref>
* Mark Mastalir - Chief Marketing Officer<ref>Halo. Neuroscience. Halo Neuroscience Hires Sports Marketing Leader Mark Mastalir as Chief Marketing Officer. Halo Neuroscience Company News [online]. 2016, Nov 8. Available online at: https://medium.com/halo-neuroscience-company-news/halo-neuroscience-hires-sports-marketing-leader-mark-mastalir-as-chief-marketing-officer-f84728dbbe1f#.mg2t84dsz (Retrieved 10th November, 2016). </ref>
+
* Mark Mastalir - Chief Marketing Officer<ref>Halo. Neuroscience. Halo Neuroscience Hires Sports Marketing Leader Mark Mastalir as Chief Marketing Officer. Medium [online]. 2016, Nov 8. Available online at: https://medium.com/halo-neuroscience-company-news/halo-neuroscience-hires-sports-marketing-leader-mark-mastalir-as-chief-marketing-officer-f84728dbbe1f#.mg2t84dsz (Retrieved 10th November, 2016). </ref>
 
* Reed Hundt - adviser
 
* Reed Hundt - adviser
 
* Susan Paley - adviser
 
* Susan Paley - adviser
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== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
 
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
 
[[File:Primer Halo Sport.jpg|thumb|Electrode]]
 
[[File:Primer Halo Sport.jpg|thumb|Electrode]]
The improvement of user's skill is based on neuroplasticity of the brain. It is the function of the brain which allows to learn foreign language or new skill. According to Daniel Chao, Halo Sport increases the neuroplasicity of its users, hence they benefit from their training more than those who train their physical skills without the device.<ref name="Halo is building"/> However, in order to enhance physical abilities, the use of Halo Sport have to be paired with training of these abilities.<ref name="interview"/>
+
The improvement of user's skill is based on neuroplasticity of the brain. It is the function of the brain which allows to learn foreign language or new skill. According to Daniel Chao, Halo Sport increases the neuroplasticity of its users, hence they benefit from their training more than those who train their physical skills without the device.<ref name="Halo is building"/> However, in order to enhance physical abilities, the use of Halo Sport have to be paired with training of these abilities.<ref name="interview"/>
  
 
There is a considerable amount of studies which claim that tDCS does not have any 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).
 
There is a considerable amount of studies which claim that tDCS does not have any 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).
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Besides a great amount of studies, tDCS technology on which is based Halo Sport it is not certain that tDCS is not harmful.<ref name="jump higher"/> Sarkar, Dowker and Kadosh's experiments suggest that tDCS could have a negative impact on human cognitive abilities. Namely, they claim that the individuals in experiments show decrease in executive control in a flanker task. They argue: <blockquote>Another important finding is that tDCS effects may be associated with cognitive costs in other domains. Poorer executive control in a non-mathematical, nonanxiety-inducing task after real compared with sham stimulation suggests that tDCS, while advantageous in certain contexts, may impair processes dependent on the stimulated region.<ref> SAKAR, Amar; DOWKER, Ann; COHEN KADOSH Roi. Cognitive Enhancement or Cognitive Cost: Trait-Specific Outcomes of Brain Stimulation in the Case of Mathematics Anxiety.  J. NEUROSCI 34 [online]. 2014, Dec 10. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4261089/ (Retrieved 1st November, 2016). </ref></blockquote>
 
Besides a great amount of studies, tDCS technology on which is based Halo Sport it is not certain that tDCS is not harmful.<ref name="jump higher"/> Sarkar, Dowker and Kadosh's experiments suggest that tDCS could have a negative impact on human cognitive abilities. Namely, they claim that the individuals in experiments show decrease in executive control in a flanker task. They argue: <blockquote>Another important finding is that tDCS effects may be associated with cognitive costs in other domains. Poorer executive control in a non-mathematical, nonanxiety-inducing task after real compared with sham stimulation suggests that tDCS, while advantageous in certain contexts, may impair processes dependent on the stimulated region.<ref> SAKAR, Amar; DOWKER, Ann; COHEN KADOSH Roi. Cognitive Enhancement or Cognitive Cost: Trait-Specific Outcomes of Brain Stimulation in the Case of Mathematics Anxiety.  J. NEUROSCI 34 [online]. 2014, Dec 10. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4261089/ (Retrieved 1st November, 2016). </ref></blockquote>
  
The similar results were also published by Teresa Iuculano and Roi Cohen Kadosh, who point out that enhancement of certain congnitive ability could impaired other cognitive abilities.<ref> IUCULANO, Theresa; COHEN KADOSH, Roi. The Mental Cost of Cognitive Enhancement. J Neurosci 10 [online]. 2013, Mar 6. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3672974/ (Retrieved 1 st November, 2016). </ref>
+
The similar results were also published by Teresa Iuculano and Roi Cohen Kadosh, who point out that enhancement of certain cognitive ability could impaired other cognitive abilities.<ref> IUCULANO, Theresa; COHEN KADOSH, Roi. The Mental Cost of Cognitive Enhancement. J Neurosci 10 [online]. 2013, Mar 6. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3672974/ (Retrieved 1 st November, 2016). </ref>
  
 
Amol Sarva reports that a wrong placement of electrodes could be harmful as he found during the initial tests of their new device: <blockquote>"I turned it on and there was this bright flash and then I was basically blind," he told me. The test had sent a direct blast into his optic nerve. "Luckily it cleared up after a few minutes," says Sarva. "We're much better informed now about which parts of the brain we need to stimulate."<ref>POPPER, Ben. The Halo headband wants to make you smarter by shocking your brain. The Verge [online]. 2014, Apr 30. Available online at: http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/30/5668086/halo-neuroscience-brain-stimulation-funding-andreessen (Retrieved 1st November, 2016).</ref></blockquote> Nonetheless, the position of electrodes is settled in the device they shipped.  
 
Amol Sarva reports that a wrong placement of electrodes could be harmful as he found during the initial tests of their new device: <blockquote>"I turned it on and there was this bright flash and then I was basically blind," he told me. The test had sent a direct blast into his optic nerve. "Luckily it cleared up after a few minutes," says Sarva. "We're much better informed now about which parts of the brain we need to stimulate."<ref>POPPER, Ben. The Halo headband wants to make you smarter by shocking your brain. The Verge [online]. 2014, Apr 30. Available online at: http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/30/5668086/halo-neuroscience-brain-stimulation-funding-andreessen (Retrieved 1st November, 2016).</ref></blockquote> Nonetheless, the position of electrodes is settled in the device they shipped.  
Line 112: Line 112:
 
Chao claims that they will seek for FDA approval of their device in order to help stroke victims to recover motor skills.<ref name="jump higher"/>  
 
Chao claims that they will seek for FDA approval of their device in order to help stroke victims to recover motor skills.<ref name="jump higher"/>  
  
== Related Technologies, Projects or Scientific Research ==
+
== Related Technologies, Projects, or Scientific Research ==
  
 
Chao and Wingeier developed previously another device which provides brain stimulation, [[RNS® System]].  
 
Chao and Wingeier developed previously another device which provides brain stimulation, [[RNS® System]].  
  
After FDA approved the device as the treat of stroke and recover the motor skills of patients the researchers claims that they focus also on the cognitive enhancement through tDCS.<ref name="jump higher"/>
+
The researchers claims that they have two aims in the future. Firstly, they intend to reached FDA approval for the treat of stroke and recover the motor skills of patients. Secondly, they focus also on the cognitive enhancement through tDCS.<ref name="jump higher"/>
  
 
Halo Neuroscience provides several studies as a support of the technology, which took part in various sport organisations.<ref> Halo Neuroscience. Case Studies. Halo Neuroscience [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/case-studies (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref> <ref> Halo Neuroscience. Science. Halo Neuroscience [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/science (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref>However, as was stated previously, independent peer-reviewed research and more studies is needed for any conclusive claim about the device.<ref name="Company claims"/>
 
Halo Neuroscience provides several studies as a support of the technology, which took part in various sport organisations.<ref> Halo Neuroscience. Case Studies. Halo Neuroscience [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/case-studies (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref> <ref> Halo Neuroscience. Science. Halo Neuroscience [online]. Available online at: https://www.haloneuro.com/science (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).</ref>However, as was stated previously, independent peer-reviewed research and more studies is needed for any conclusive claim about the device.<ref name="Company claims"/>
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[[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]]

Latest revision as of 10:06, 14 July 2017

Halo Sport
Halo Sport on White.jpg
Category Transcranial direct-current stimulation
Developer Halo Neuroscience
Announced May 2014 [1]
Released Developers: 2014 [2]
Consumers: 16 November 2016 [3]
Price 699 USD (November 2016)[4]
Max output 2.0 mA2 T
0.002 A
[5]
Session duration 1800 s30 minute
[6]
Scalp location C3 and C4 or Cz [7] [8]
Weight 340.2 g [9]
Controls

smartphone, tablet [7] [10]

Data available
Risk factor
Medical prescription No
https://www.haloneuro.com

Halo Sport is head mounted device, which provides transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS). It was developed by Halo Neuroscience as a tDCS device, which could be safely used outside laboratories. The device consists of a wearable headset on which are placed two electrodes and a neurostimulator, which is powered by battery.[11] The electrodes are entitled "primers" by Halo Neuroscience.[10] Apart from tDCS, they provide also transcranial variable frequency stimulation (tVFS).[12] The both methods are referred as "neuropriming".[10]

The device stimulates motor cortex. If it is used during a training, it is supposed to enhance motor abilities of its users,[13] which could make the training more effective. This feature was appraised by several sport organisations as US Ski and Snowboard Association, Michael Johnson Performance, or Invictus that take a part in Halo Sport's testing.[5] Halo Sport is also used by U.S. Department of Defense for improving skills of special operations forces.[14]

Main Characteristics

Halo Sport is standalone fully enclosed device. The device consists of headset, three electrodes, ear-pads, USB charging cable, USB wall adapter and spray bottle.[15] In the headset could be placed two or three electrodes. The electrodes are placed at (left) C3, (right) C4 placement (above the ear, halfway to the center of the head) [7] resp. at CZ placement (center of the head)[8]. In contrast to other tDCS devices the position of electrodes is settled. Electrodes can be removed, but not placed to any other location on scalp.[16] Electrodes consist of foam spikes[6] and they must be changed after three month's use.[17] In addition, electrodes need to be wet before the start of every session.[18]

The headset could be plugged in phone and played music as a regular headphone. The phone and Halo Sport have to be connected by a 3.5 mm audio cable which is included in the box. However, it does not play music over Bluetooth.[19]

The device includes lithium-ion rechargeable battery. The battery need to be recharged approximately each 8 session, depending on the use of the device. The use of headphones for listening music does not affect battery life.[20]

The whole device is controlled by the app in smartphone or tablet. The app also allows to specify the requisite output of the training and neuropriming, i.e. the focus on hands, arms or legs.[16]

Halo Sport with original sketches

Users have to spray the electrodes by water until they change the colour to dark grey before a start of a session. The results are better if the electrodes are removed during this procedure. After watering, they could be returned to the headset, the headset placed on the skull and the session could started. The user votes the start of the process and the precise setup of the session in device's app.[21] One session should take from 20 to 30 minutes and should be accompanied with training.[6]

Purpose

The main purpose of the device is to enhance physical abilities of its user through neuropriming.

Company & People

Halo Neuroscience is a company based in San Francisco, which focuses on brain stimulation. The two co-founders of the company, Daniel Chao and Brett Wingeier worked previously in Neuropace. Their first product is Halo Sport.[6]

  • Daniel Chao - co-founder and CEO of Halo Neuroscience
  • Brett Wingeier - co-founder CTO of Halo Neuroscience
  • Amol Sarva - co-founder and Board Member of Halo Neuroscience[22]
  • Mark Mastalir - Chief Marketing Officer[23]
  • Reed Hundt - adviser
  • Susan Paley - adviser
  • Gary Abrams - adviser
  • Nick Drake - adviser
  • Mark George - adviser
  • Andy Walsh - adviser
  • Mario Schlosser - adviser[22]

Important Dates

  • 2013 - Halo Neuroscience was founded[24]
  • February 2016 - Halo Sport was announced[2]
  • July 2016 - U.S. Department of Defense announced a contract with Halo Neuroscience[25]
  • November 2016 - Halo Sport was shipped[3]

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Electrode

The improvement of user's skill is based on neuroplasticity of the brain. It is the function of the brain which allows to learn foreign language or new skill. According to Daniel Chao, Halo Sport increases the neuroplasticity of its users, hence they benefit from their training more than those who train their physical skills without the device.[16] However, in order to enhance physical abilities, the use of Halo Sport have to be paired with training of these abilities.[2]

There is a considerable amount of studies which claim that tDCS does not have any effect.[26] However the research in US Ski and Snowboarding Association[27] indicates that there might be a certain positive effect in the case of Halo Sport. Halo Neuroscience also published their studies which could prove that Halo Sport improves physical skills of its users.[8][7][12] Although the experiments in these studies were carefully designed with respect to placebo effect, these studies were not peer-reviewed.[27]

Ethical & Health Issues

According to Halo Sport's "Terms of Service", the device should not be used by person who is under 18 years of age, is not capable of giving consent, is pregnant, has implanted other medical device, has skull defects or history of seizures.[28]

Besides a great amount of studies, tDCS technology on which is based Halo Sport it is not certain that tDCS is not harmful.[6] Sarkar, Dowker and Kadosh's experiments suggest that tDCS could have a negative impact on human cognitive abilities. Namely, they claim that the individuals in experiments show decrease in executive control in a flanker task. They argue:

Another important finding is that tDCS effects may be associated with cognitive costs in other domains. Poorer executive control in a non-mathematical, nonanxiety-inducing task after real compared with sham stimulation suggests that tDCS, while advantageous in certain contexts, may impair processes dependent on the stimulated region.[29]

The similar results were also published by Teresa Iuculano and Roi Cohen Kadosh, who point out that enhancement of certain cognitive ability could impaired other cognitive abilities.[30]

Amol Sarva reports that a wrong placement of electrodes could be harmful as he found during the initial tests of their new device:

"I turned it on and there was this bright flash and then I was basically blind," he told me. The test had sent a direct blast into his optic nerve. "Luckily it cleared up after a few minutes," says Sarva. "We're much better informed now about which parts of the brain we need to stimulate."[31]

Nonetheless, the position of electrodes is settled in the device they shipped.

In addition, the inventors of Halo Sport claims that they focused on the most widespread problems linked with tDCS as headache, scalp pain, or impairment of motor or cognitive skills, but they did not found any significant change.[16]

Other issue is the possibility that tDCS stimulation of motor cortex could be considered as a doping. However, no public policy against tDCS devices has been stated yet. WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency) and the International Olympic Committee are still considering whether these kind of devices should be prohibited and collect information about them.[32] Eliza Strickland reports Olivier Rabin's claim:

WADA’s science director, says his team is “very actively monitoring” brain-stimulation technologies, and recently discussed whether tDCS and similar techniques warranted inclusion on the prohibited list. Their verdict: It’s not yet time to make that decision. “At the moment, our experts consider that there is a lack of objective information about these technologies,” he says. First, Rabin says, he’ll need to see scientific proof that tDCS does enhance athletic performance. And he’s not holding his breath. In his 14 years on the job, he’s seen plenty of hyped technologies that don’t pan out, he says. But if tDCS’s benefits are verified, WADA will judge the technology on two other criteria: whether it risks the health of the athlete, and whether it violates “the spirit of sport.” A positive finding in either category is grounds for a ban.[33]

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

Mike Rogers wearing Halo Sport

Daniel Chao and Brett Wingeier worked together in NeuroPace on the RNS® System device. However, Chao claims that they wanted to develop a device which could affected more people and which installation would not be so invasive. “Our NeuroPace device was an elegant way to manipulate neurons, but barbaric to install,” he says. “Brett and I thought we could do better.”[6] Therefore, they founded with Amol Sarva Halo Neuroscience.

Chao and Wingeier's aim influenced also the initial years of their company. Instead of development of a new devices, they run studies in order to find which kind of tDCS is the most promising. They found out that the data gained by a stimulation of motor cortex fulfil more proprietary their expectations. As Chao claims:

After testing 1000 subjects, the data from studies on motor skill and strength consistently yielded impressive and reproducible results — not just in untrained volunteers, but also in highly trained competitive athletes. These results lead to the development of Halo Sport...[2]

Halo Neuroscience successfully reached funding from renowned investors as Marc Andreessen, Reed Hundt or Susan Paley.[24]

There are still doubts whether tDCS is really effective.[33] Regarding Halo Sport, the user gi67 at Reddit points out that Olympians who declared that they had used Halo Sport during their training, did not significantly succeed in Olympics games: "Did tDCS enhance training? Maybe, maybe not. But no outstanding performance could be attributable to tDCS."[34] However, the user ohsnapitsnathan claims: "I think it's quite possible that tDCS use is actually much more widespread than this group and many athletes are just quiet about it because of the stigma of using "performance enhancing" technology."[35] However, choosing motor cortex stimulation, Halo Neuroscience focused on tDCS which is deemed to be reliable and results measurable.[33]

Additionally, Gian Volpicelli points out in his paper from 21st March 2016 that studies which was published by Halo Neuroscience have not been peer-reviewed yet. Although he admits, that it is just a matter of time.[36]

Public Policy

WADA or the International Olympic Committee have not provided any conclusive claim about tDCS devices yet.[32]

Chao claims that they will seek for FDA approval of their device in order to help stroke victims to recover motor skills.[6]

Related Technologies, Projects, or Scientific Research

Chao and Wingeier developed previously another device which provides brain stimulation, RNS® System.

The researchers claims that they have two aims in the future. Firstly, they intend to reached FDA approval for the treat of stroke and recover the motor skills of patients. Secondly, they focus also on the cognitive enhancement through tDCS.[6]

Halo Neuroscience provides several studies as a support of the technology, which took part in various sport organisations.[37] [38]However, as was stated previously, independent peer-reviewed research and more studies is needed for any conclusive claim about the device.[36]

References

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  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 BROWN, Ayliffe. Neurotechnology To Unlock Human Potential: Interview with Halo Neuroscience CEO, Dr. Daniel Chao. Wearable Technologies [online]. 2016, June 28. Available online at: https://www.wearable-technologies.com/2016/06/neurotechnology-to-unlock-human-potential-interview-with-halo-neuroscience-ceo-dr-daniel-chao/ (Retrieved 31st August, 2016).
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  20. Halo Neuroscience. How long is Halo Sport's battery life? Halo Neuroscience Support [online]. Available online at: https://support.haloneuro.com/hc/en-us/articles/215557718-How-long-is-Halo-Sport-s-battery-life- (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).
  21. Halo Neuroscience. How do I start my first Neuropriming session?. Halo Neuroscience Support [online]. Available online at: https://support.haloneuro.com/hc/en-us/articles/231493028-How-do-I-start-my-first-Neuropriming-session- (Retrieved 10th November, 2016).
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  36. 36.0 36.1 VOLPICELLI, Gian. Company claims its brain-zapping headphones will make you a better athlete. Ars Technica [online]. 2016, Mar 21. Available online at: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/03/halo-neuro-tdcs-headphones-brain-zapping/ (Retrieved 7th November, 2016).
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