Group IT ProjectBRAINWAVE ENTRAINMENT

APP

Group IT Project

What is Brainwave Entrainment? Brainwave Entrainment refers to the

brain's electrical response to rhythmic sensory stimulation, such as pulses of sound.

When the brain is given a stimulus, through the ears, eyes or other senses, it emits an electrical charge in response, called a Cortical Evoked Response.

Group IT Project The basic premise of brain wave

entrainment is that you use certain technologies (like isochronic tones through earphones or speakers) to alter your brain waves, for the primary purpose of changing the way you feel.

Group IT Project Previous peer-reviewed research

concluded that brainwave entrainment is an “effective therapeutic tool” for people suffering from cognitive functioning deficits, stress, pain, headaches & migraines, PMS and other behavioural problems (Huang, 2008).

Group IT Project There are many apps that utilise

brainwave entrainment but most exclusively use the use of ‘binaural beats’

https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/brain-wave-30-advanced-binaural/id307219387?mt=8

http://www.beatsbrainwaves.com/mobile-apps/

We propose the use of isochronic tones in our app.

Group IT Project Isochronic tones are different in that

they are simply single separate pulses of a single tone, similar to a metronome or drum beat. This creates a greater contrast between sound and silence which can have a greater effect on the brain.

Group IT Project Self-quantifying measures for the

user can be found here: http://www.quantified-mind.com/• Tests can be completed pre and post

exposure to isochronic beats

Group IT ProjectField Research With Users We interviewed a number of students about their interest in

using our app Most of the students were not aware of the concept of binaural

beats and isochronic tones but found it intriguing Our target users are students so it will be easy to obtain a large

sample size We propose to hold focus groups, individual interviews, and

questionnaires ADD IN RESEARCH FINDINGS Our Self tracking method we hope to use will involve some or all

of the following:• Heart Rate Monitor• Blood Pressure• Regular attention and memory tests• Mood Diary

Group IT Project

PersonaThis is Rob. He is a 3rd yearStudent at UCD studying Business.He is preparing for his final year Is stressed about the amount ofwork that has to come. He gets Anxious easily and he is lookingfor a way to stay relaxed.

Group IT ProjectBackground Research

Contact Experts Previous peer-reviewed research concluded that brainwave entrainment

is an “effective therapeutic tool” for people suffering from cognitive functioning deficits, stress, pain, headaches & migraines, PMS and other behavioural problems (Huang, 2008).

ADD ONE MORE REFERENCE There are many apps that utilise brainwave entrainment but most

exclusively use the use of ‘binaural beats’ https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/brain-wave-30-advanced-binaural/id307

219387?mt=8 http://www.beatsbrainwaves.com/mobile-apps/ http://

www.macworld.com/product/79992/brain-power-ambiscience-binaural-isochron.html We looked at these apps which are similar to our idea but there is no aspect of self

quantification involved

Technical Feasibility The other apps that are similar demonstrate that our app is feasable. Also, our

methods of self quantification already exist so we would be using existing technology

Group IT Project

Alternative Proposal Its self quantifying - 

The user logs their cigarette intake for the day and it outputs how much money they are spending on cigarettes and the health implications to encourage quitting.It has a goal setting section as well so it slowly weans you off cigarettes per day to help you quit by your goal time. 

Group IT Project We found it challenging to find a valid and

consistent self quantification measure

Solution Using a mood diary which is subjective for every

individual Using either a heart rate monitor, blood pressure

measure, or attention and memory tests

Group IT project Second Problem The minimum amount of time spent

listening to the isochronic tones would be time consuming over the course of the day

Solution Either to shorten the length of the

tones or to be aware of this fact and have these times planned into your day

Group IT Project Reference List Huang, T. (2008). A comprehensive review

of the psychological effects of brainwave entrainment. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 14(5),