In Focus: i-BrainTech - Elevating Athletic Performance With Neurofeedback Training
The i-BrainTech system is a video game that players control with their brain activity only, using visualisation. Based on more than a decade of neuroscientific research, the technology strengthens the brain regions responsible for success in sports. CEO and neuroscientist Dr. Konstantin Sonkin explains how they are doing this.
What is i-Brain?
At i-BrainTech, we develop cognitive training technology that optimises the mental side of sports performance and recovery. What makes us unique is our focus on training the brain directly by targeting specific brain regions responsible for success in sports. Our technology is a result of more than ten years of research in applied neuroscience. It takes the form of a video game that players can control entirely with their brain activity. The system is designed to develop players’ cognitive abilities for enhanced physical performance on the field. It provides sports practitioners with unparalleled access to players’ brain data, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of their abilities, better profiling and planned development.
What are the benefits of using the system and how does it aid on-field performance?
The neuro-system is invaluable for injured players looking to return to play successfully, healthy players seeking improvement, and sports practitioners aiming to better understand and manage their players. For injured players, our system offers a way to train and complete thousands of repetitions of position-specific football drills with no physical load on the body. This promotes neuromuscular activity and enhances motor-skills through the use of motor-imagery, which has been proven to be a key factor in achieving a successful return to play. For healthy players, our system provides an additional training stimulus, allowing for extended training time. The technology directly trains the brain regions responsible for motor-control and focus, enabling all players to improve their kick accuracy and execution of key football actions on the pitch. For sports practitioners, our technology provides unique brain data, allowing them to measure and track players’ cognitive abilities, monitor their progress, and tailor training programs to address individual needs.
What successes have the company had in football?
We’re proud to have made significant strides in football globally. Our technology is being used by top-tier clubs in the Premier League, MLS and seven countries worldwide, and we’re continuing to expand our reach. We recently conducted a scientific study with Bragança Football Association (part of the Portuguese Football Federation) which was sponsored by FIFA. After just two months of brain training, participating players showed an incredible 38% increase in their performance on the LSST standardised test, which measures reaction time, decision-making abilities, and shooting accuracy – all crucial aspects of football performance.
What do the players that have used the system think of it?
Our technology has been a game-changer for players of all ages and stages of their career. Younger players have reported remarkable improvements in their concentration abilities, which has helped them to remain focused when under pressure. During our FIFA sponsored study, one player from Portugal’s youth national team commented that her “concentration levels improved outside the i-Brain game,” while another said that “if every player will use the i-Brain training their results will become better.” Even seasoned players have embraced our technology to extend their careers. Take, for instance, 38-year-old MLS player Jonathan Bornstein of Chicago Fire. He believes that the first thing to go with age are his physical abilities, and he is using i-BrainTech to develop his mental strength. In an interview with Sports Business Journal, he said that he believes his concentration levels have really gone up from the i-BrainTech training.
It is exciting to see how well-received our technology has been by players at all levels. We look forward to continuing to help players achieve their full potential!
How can people interested find out more?
Contact us at mail@i-brain.tech and check out our website i-brain.tech
