Exploring the BrainTap® Device: Harnessing Light, Sound, and Visualization for Enhanced Brain Fitness

The BrainTap® device is designed to enhance brain fitness and overall well-being through a combination of light, sound, and guided visualization. Here’s a look on the technology behind it.

Guided Visualization: The device uses guided visualization, a technique where users are led through a series of mental images and scenarios designed to relax the mind and body. This is a critical component of the BrainTap® experience, helping users to achieve deep states of relaxation and focus.

Brainwave Entrainment: The BrainTap® device incorporates binaural beats, which play slightly different frequencies in each ear to create a third tone perceived by the brain. This helps in synchronizing brainwaves and promoting various mental states such as relaxation, focus, or sleep. Isochronic tones, which are single tones that pulse on and off at specific intervals, are also used to engage the brain more effectively than binaural beats alone. The device also uses LED lights in the visor and earphones to deliver light pulses at different frequencies. These pulses are synchronized with the sound, enhancing the brainwave entrainment process. This multi-sensory approach aids in inducing desired brain states faster and more effectively.

Several studies have explored the effects of BrainTap® device using Brainwave Entrainment (BWE). Here are the key findings:

Study #1. A study investigated the impact of BWE on the Chakra system using data pulse analysis with 100 adult volunteers. The treatment involved a 20-minute session featuring Binaural beats and Isochronic Tones at frequencies ranging from 18 to 0.5 Hz, along with visual entrainment using LED lights (470 nm) flickering at the same frequencies. Significant increases in chakra energy levels were observed following the BWE session with the BrainTap® Headset.

Study #2. Another study examined the effects of BWE on Heart Rate Variability in 100 adult volunteers. Participants received a 20-minute session comprising Binaural beats, Isochronic Tones, and visual entrainment through LED lights (470 nm) flickering at frequencies from 18 to 0.5 Hz. Results indicated significant improvements in heart rate variability, parasympathetic activity, and reductions in stress index and heart rate post-BWE session with the BrainTap® Headset.

Study #3. University students’ mood and quality of sleep were assessed after receiving BWE sessions three times a week for six weeks with the BrainTap® headset. Sessions included Binaural beats, Isochronic Tones, and visual entrainment using LED lights (470 nm) flickering at frequencies from 18 to 0.5 Hz. The study found significant improvements in sleep quality, suggesting BWE’s beneficial effects warrant further investigation with larger sample sizes.

Study #4. Telemarketers’ anxiety, general health, stress, sleep quality, work productivity, and activity impairment were evaluated after six weeks of BWE sessions with the BrainTap® headset. While statistical significance wasn’t achieved compared to baseline, positive trends were observed across all measures, indicating potential benefits that require validation in larger studies.

Study #5. The combination of BWE and “Saving your Brain” therapeutic approach was studied for its effects on Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) analysis and cognitive-emotional assessment. Results highlighted positive impacts on QEEG and cognitive-emotional measures, demonstrating the potential of this combined approach in enhancing brain function.

Study #6. BWE and Transcranial Photobiomodulation effects on brainwave power in college golf players were investigated using sessions with a BrainTap® headset. Significant changes in brainwave activity were noted, including decreased Gamma and increased Alpha waves, underscoring the intervention’s effectiveness in modulating brain activity.

Study #7. The efficacy of BWE in improving chronic insomnia among adult dayworkers was explored over six weeks. BWE technology showed promise in alleviating insomnia symptoms, suggesting its potential as a non-pharmacotherapeutic intervention for this population.

Study #8. The impact of BWE with the BrainTap® headset on weight loss, stress, and heart rate variability was investigated. Participants listened to brainwave entrainment sessions daily, showing positive effects on weight reduction, stress reduction, and improvements in heart rate variability, although not statistically significant.

Study #9. The Ready 4 Rapid Results H.E.A.L.T.H.Y. H.A.B.I.T.S. 13-week program combined with BWE was evaluated for its effects on weight loss, sleep quality, mood, anxiety, and stress. Significant improvements were observed in all areas, suggesting BWE enhances the program’s effectiveness.

Study #10. The Peak Performance Method (PPM) combined with BWE was studied for its impact on anxiety, general health, stress, sleep quality, mindset, and work productivity among professionals. Significant improvements were noted in several outcomes, particularly when BWE was integrated with PPM, warranting further investigation with larger sample sizes.

Study #11. The combination of BWE with the BrainTap® headset and compression therapy (CT) using the NormaTec Pulse 2.0 Legs device was explored for its effects on sports-related concussion symptoms in high school athletes. The combined approach effectively reduced lingering concussion symptoms compared to control interventions, with sustained benefits over a year.

Study #12. Effects of BWE on stress, mood, and sleep quality were assessed among adults. BWE sessions significantly reduced stress, improved sleep quality, mood, and energy levels, though results were not statistically significant.

Study #13. Acoustic neurostimulation with binaural beats and isochronic tones at 10 Hz was investigated for its effects on sleep, depression, anxiety, and stress in healthy workers. Participants showed significant improvements in brainwave patterns, decreased stress, depression, anxiety symptoms, and enhanced sleep quality, suggesting alpha acoustic neurostimulation as a promising intervention for emotional well-being.

Study #14. The effects of BWE with the BrainTap® headset and EMF reduction technology on sleep quality, stress, depression, and mood were studied. Positive effects were observed, indicating potential benefits of BWE and EMF reduction technology.

Study #15. A study on fibromyalgia patients found that 8 weeks of brainwave entrainment (BWE) using the BrainTap Headset significantly decreased pain, reduced emotional limitations, and increased alpha brainwave activity in the prefrontal cortex, enhancing the effects of ongoing pharmacological treatment.

Study #16. A study involving 47 health students found that a single 20-minute session of brainwave entrainment (BWE) with the BrainTap Headset significantly improved heart rate variability parameters, reduced cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex, and balanced autonomic activity, highlighting its potential for influencing mental states.

Study #17. In a study with 84 female fibromyalgia patients, brainwave entrainment (BWE) using the BrainTap Headset, compared to music therapy, significantly reduced pain (VAS scores), improved quality of life, and decreased oxidative stress and BDNF levels over eight weeks, highlighting its potential as an effective treatment for fibromyalgia.

Study #18. Preliminary data from a randomized controlled trial with patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) found that combining brainwave entrainment (BWE) with the Mediterranean diet (MD) significantly reduced depression (HAMD scores), anxiety, perceived stress, and improved sleep quality and resilience. The MD+BE group showed additional benefits in emotional aspects and quality of life, indicating BWE as a potent adjunctive therapy for MDD.

These predominant outcomes suggest that Audio-Visual Brainwave Entrainment is a versatile tool with broad applications for improving sleep, reducing stress, enhancing mood, and contributing to overall physical and mental health. The BrainTap® device, through its innovative use of guided visualization, binaural beats, isochronic tones, and LED light entrainment, shows significant potential in enhancing brain fitness and overall well-being, including in Fibromyalgia patients. From improving sleep quality and reducing stress to aiding in weight loss and concussion recovery, the multi-sensory approach of BrainTap offers promising results across various domains of mental and physical health. While further research with larger sample sizes is necessary to validate these findings, the current studies underscore the device’s effectiveness as an adjuvant therapy for a wide range of health and wellness programs.

References

1. Patrick K. Porter, Michael Porter, Francisco J Cidral-Filho. Effect of Audio-Visual Brain Entrainment on the Chakra system through data pulse analysis. Presented at the Evidence based Non-invasive Therapies Conference in New Delhi, India, NOV 2019 (EBNITCON-2019).
2. Michael Porter, Patrick Porter, Francisco J Cidral-Filho. Effect of a single Audio-Visual Brain Entrainment session on Heart Rate Variability: a clinical trial with 100 adult volunteers. Presented at the International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health in Miami, FL, May 2020 (ICIMH-2020). Published at Global Advances in Health and Medicine Volume 9, 2020. DOI: 10.1177/2164956120912849.
3. Daiana Cristina Salm, Luiz Augusto Belmonte, Bruna Hoffmann de Oliveira, Luana Meneghini Belmonte, Francisco J Cidral-Filho, Patrick Porter, Daniel Fernandes Martins. Effect of Audio-Visual Brain Entrainment on Mood and Quality of Sleep: a pilot trial with university students. Presented at the International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health in Miami, FL, May 2020 (ICIMH-2020). Published at Global Advances in Health and Medicine Volume 9, 2020. DOI: 10.1177/2164956120912849.
4. Francisco J Cidral-Filho, Patrick K Porter, Rodolfo B Parreira, Noemy Ferreira de Castro, Maria Luisa Ramos Mendes, Afonso Salgado. Effect of Audio-Visual Brain Entrainment on Mood, Sleep and Work Productivity of Professional Telemarketers. Presented at the International Society for Neuroregulation & Research 2020 online Conference (ISNR-2020).
5. Francisco J Cidral-Filho, Patrick K Porter, Kelly Miller. Audiovisual Brain Entrainment associated with “Saving your Brain” therapeutic approach on Quantitative Electroencephalogram Analysis and Cognitive and Emotional Checklist Assessment. Presented at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society 22nd Scientific Conference. Orlando FL, OCT 2021. (ILADS 2021).
6. Francisco Jose Cidral-Filho, Eber Fontes, Patrick Porter, Geraldine Perez. Effect of Brainwave Entrainment and Transcranial Photobiomodulation on Brainwave Power of College Golf Players. Accepted to be presented at the International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health in Phoenix, AZ, May 2022 (ICIMH-2022).
7. Michael Keown, Francisco Jose Cidral-Filho, Patrick Porter. Use of open-loop audio-visual entrainment to Improve Chronic Insomnia in Adult Dayworkers with Normal Sleep Duration. Accepted to be presented at the International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health in Phoenix, AZ, May 2022 (ICIMH-2022).
8. Jody Dowd, Francisco Jose Cidral-Filho, Patrick Porter. Effect of audiovisual Brainwave Entrainment on Weight Reduction, Stress and Heart Rate variability. PhD Thesis in the 2021 postgraduate Program in Integrative Medicine at the Quantum University, Honolulu, HI, USA.
9. Kim White, Francisco Jose Cidral-Filho, Patrick Porter. Effects of the Ready 4 Rapid Results H.E.A.L.T.H.Y. H.A.B.I.T.S. 13-week program, either alone or in combination with Braintap Brainwave Entrainment (BWE), on Weight Loss; Quality of Sleep, Mood, Anxiety, and Stress. PhD Thesis in the 2022 postgraduate Program in Integrative Medicine at the Quantum University, Honolulu, HI, USA.
10. Julia Arndt, Patrick K Porter, Francisco J Cidral-Filho.  The Effect of the Peak Performance Method (PPM) combined with Audio Brain Entrainment on Anxiety, Sleep, Stress and Work Productivity of Professionals. Study conducted with Julia Arndt (the Peak Performance Method creator). Conducted Online in 2020.
11. Ted Arkfeld, Francisco Jose Cidral-Filho, Patrick Porter. Concussion Treatment Protocol Utilizing Brainwave Entrainment with the BrainTap headset & Compression Therapy with the NormaTec Pulse 2.0. Study conducted by Dr. Arkfeld at the Gaylord High School in Gaylord, MI, United States. 2020-2021.
12. Kevin Longoria, Erin Miller, Francisco Cidral. Effect of Audio-Visual Brain Entrainment on Stress, Mood and Quality of Sleep: a trial with BioStrap & BrainTap team members. Internal study conducted with BioStrap & BrainTap team members. Conducted Online in 2021.
13. Sandro Aparecido-Kanzler. Effects of acoustic neurostimulation with binaural beats and isochronic tones on anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep quality: a randomized clinical study. PhD Thesis, conducted at the Federal University of Santa Catarina SC, Brazil
14. Effect of Brainwave Entrainment and EMF reduction technology on quality of sleep, mood, and heart rate variability: pilot study with healthy individuals. Internal study conducted with BioStrap & Somavedic team members. Conducted Online in 2021.
15. Luiza Daux Buffon. The effects of audiovisual brainwave entrainment on pain, power of brainwaves and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized clinical trial. PhD thesis of the Physiotherapy School Clinic and the Medical Specialty Clinic (AMEI) of the University of Southern Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil.
16. Effects of Brainwave Entrainment on Autonomic Balance and Prefrontal Cortex Hemodynamics. Presented at the 2nd world Congress Integrative Medicine and Health in Rome at the Workshop Integration of Brainwave Entrainment and Electroacupuncture: Effects on Frontal Cortex Hemodynamics and Autonomic Balance (September 21 of 2023).
17. Gabriela de Souza. The effects of audio brainwave entrainment on clinical symptoms and serum biomarkers of neuroplasticity in fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. PhD thesis of the Post Graduate Program in Health Sciences at the University of Southern Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil. Presented virtually at the 3d International Conference on Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences (Sep 13-14, 2023 at Barcelona, Spain).
18. Taynah Galassi. The effects of brainwave entrainment associated with the Mediterranean diet on clinical symptoms of depression: a randomized controlled trial. PhD Thesis in the postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Experimental Neuroscience laboratory of the University of South Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil – ongoing study. Preliminary data was selected for Special session poster presentation at the Ganepão Congress, SP, Brazil, July of 2024.