A device that engages in what it calls "neuropriming" sends an electrical current to the brain's motor cortex to get the mind and body into a state of hyper learning. (Photo/Screenshot from CGTN)
Technology is increasingly playing a role in the highly competitive world of sports with athletes always looking for a way to gain an edge over the competition.
Emily Hu is a medical device researcher who's getting the chance to do research on a world-class athlete, herself.
For months Hu's been trying out Halo Sport, a device that engages in what it calls "neuropriming" — it sends an electrical current to the brain's motor cortex to get the mind and body into a state of hyper learning.
Even before using Halo Sport, Hu set several world records, including a bench press of 275 pounds or about 125 kilograms.
Stanford-trained medical doctor and co-founder of Halo Neuroscience Dan Chao said his work stems from seeing how drugs used to treat the brain produced severe side effects.
Halo ran tests on 1,000 people before finding that athletes could benefit most.
Olympic skiers, tennis players, basketball and American football players are using Halo Sport during their training.
In a two-week test at Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Johnson's training center, 10 athletes using the headset experienced a 12 percent gain in lower body explosiveness compared to 3 percent for non-users.
Halo Sport costs 750 US dollars. It is not cheap, but Chao said it is a small price for athletes seeking an edge.
Halo Neuroscience is also studying the device's use by musicians, airplane pilots, and military soldiers — professions where accelerated learning of fine motor skills could reap life-changing benefits.
