Driven by Science

A brain activity sensor

Your brain is always active, even when you're resting. Neurons constantly send signals to each other. We can measure this activity from outside the head using sensors that adhere to your scalp. This method, called EEG (electroencephalography), was invented in 1924.

EEG recordings show tiny changes in electrical activity over time. By looking at specific patterns in these recordings, called brain waves, we can learn about different mental states.

Why measure with EEG?

EEG recordings give us a window into our minds. They help us see what's going on inside our brains. This is exciting for many fields, including sports.

In sports, even small mental changes can make the difference between winning and losing. That's why there's growing interest in using EEG to improve mental performance in athletes.

Five brainwave patterns

Brainwaves are repeating patterns of brain activity. We can sort them into five types based on how fast they are. From slowest to fastest, they are:

• Delta
• Theta
• Alpha
• Beta
• Gamma

Slower waves (delta and theta) are strong when we're not very alert and focused on our inner world, like when we're asleep or falling asleep.

Faster waves (beta and gamma) are strong when we're very alert and focused on the outside world, like when we're thinking about how to solve a problem.

A reflection of the mind

Alpha waves (8-12 Hz) are right in the middle of this range. They're most noticeable at the back of the head, especially when our eyes are closed.

We used to think alpha waves meant the brain was just idling, but now we know they show the brain is actively filtering information.

This filtering helps us focus on what's important and ignore what's not, which helps us perform tasks better.

Our dedication to alpha waves

At alphabeats, we focus on stimulating alpha waves. When people show strong alpha waves, they often say they feel relaxed and calm, but also very awake and focused.

Tasks feel easy, like you’re "in the flow." Our goal is to help you increase your alpha waves to achieve this state of calm focus.

What is neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback, is a way to teach people how to control their brain activity. It works by:

• Measuring brain waves
• Giving immediate feedback when specific patterns (like alpha waves) occur

This feedback can be visual (like a shape moving or changing on a screen), auditory (a changing sound), or tactile (a vibration). Studies show that combining visual and auditory feedback works best.

Learn to self-regulate

Neurofeedback is important because it gives people a tangible way to influence their brain activity. This can help with many aspects of mental function, like attention, memory, and emotional control. 

For athletes, the ability to self-regulate thoughts and emotions is crucial for peak performance. Neurofeedback offers a concrete tool to develop this skill.

The neurofeedback mechanics in alphabeats

At alphabeats, we use a unique approach to neurofeedback:

• We teach you to increase alpha brain waves using both sound and visual feedback.
• We use your own chosen music, which changes in real-time based on your brain activity.
• We also show a visualizations (e.g. an "alpha pulse") on the screen that changes with your alpha waves.
• Our first study in 2012 showed up to 33% increase in alpha power after 15 sessions.
• A 2023 study with soccer players confirmed over 30% increase in alpha power after 20 sessions.

From relaxation to focus

When alpha waves are strong, people often report feeling both relaxed and alert - a state often described as "being in the flow." In this state, tasks feel easier. Studies have shown improvements in various mental functions, including:

• Attention
• Self-control
• Working memory
• Mental rotation (ability to imagine objects in different positions)

People also often report better sleep and improved mood, with less anxiety and depression.

Mental performance

The ability to achieve a state of calm focus is valuable in many areas of life, from work and study to sports and creative pursuits. By improving fundamental mental functions and emotional state, alpha neurofeedback can potentially enhance overall quality of life and performance across various domains.

What we have demonstrated so far

In our controlled studies:

• Healthy students felt more relaxed (53% vs ~20% in control groups).
• Users with sleep problems reported better sleep quality, lasting up to 6 months.

Our users have reported several benefits from using alphabeats:

• Improved relaxation and focus.
• Better sleep.
• Enhanced mood.
• Feeling more grounded and mindful.
• Easier to quiet the mind and switch between tasks.
• Benefits are often noticed after 2-4 weeks of use.

Achieve calm focus

For top athletic performance, it's important to be able to control thoughts and emotions. This helps athletes stay calm and focused, even in stressful situations.

It also helps them bounce back quickly after setbacks. Neurofeedback offers a concrete way to train this mental skill.

While research in this area is still new, most studies support the idea that neurofeedback training improves athletic performance or mental functions important for peak performance.

The deciding factor

In high-level sports, small mental differences can be the deciding factor between winning and losing.

The ability to stay focused under pressure, handle stress, and recover quickly from mistakes can give athletes a significant edge.

Neurofeedback provides a measurable, trainable way to develop these crucial mental skills.

Proven results for (professional) athletes

We've tested alphabeats with various groups of athletes:

• Gymnasts (2014): Reported feeling in better shape, sleeping better, and having better mental balance.
• Soccer players (2023): Showed over 30% increase in alpha power and did better on complex mental tasks important for sports.
• Olympic archers (ongoing study):  After 6 weeks of alphabeats training, 2/3 of the Dutch Olympic archery team could produce alpha brain waves at will and reported positive experiences with the technology overall. We're now checking if higher alpha levels match up with better shooting performance.
• Various other athletes: Reported that alphabeats helps them prepare for matches, recover after physical activity, focus during sports, and may contribute to their success.