Active Brain Club (ABC)

The “Active Brain Club” is a new service that uses NeU’s XB-01 to provide cognitive function training while measuring brain activity, and is intended for senior citizens in their 50s-60s who want to maintain their brain functions and for individuals in their 30s-40s who want to improve their work performance.
Recent studies have revealed that cognitive function and cerebral cortex volume improves significantly by training, and we believe that brain training under the supervision of Dr. Ryuta Kawashima (NeU’s CTO) will lead to a better quality of life of many individuals. The “Active Brain Club” consists of two courses: a “basic” and “standard” course. The “Basic Course” combines the XB-01 and a visualization application for brain activity. For example, by presenting cerebral activity casually, an individual’s focus and memory ability can improve, leading to an improvement in work productivity and efficiency in learning. Since continuing training is vital, the “Standard Course” includes several added programs such as neurofeedback-type cognitive function training, aerobic exercise + cognitive function training, stress coping, and so forth. Moreover, by collaborating with various partner companies, we also hope to realize more value-added services for students, workers, senior citizens, including areas such as learning support, capacity development, health promotion and so forth.

Measuring and visualizing brain activity to actively support individual’s lifestyles with the use of the XB-01 and its dedicated application.
The basic course allows individuals to visualize their brain activity with the use of the “Brain Meter” together with the latest information from the “Kawashima Channel”. In addition, “self check” and “brain age check” services are included together with the central management of all records and history of the program.
*Compatible with Android 7.0, iOS 12 and higher.

Brain training while measuring and maintaining cognitive function through the XB-01 and its dedicated application.
The standard course includes NeU’s brain training that is updated every month, brain activity visualization through the “Brain Meter”, latest information from the “Kawashima Channel”. In addition, “self check” and “brain age check” services are included together with the central management of all records and history of the program.
*Compatible with Android 7.0, iOS 12 and higher.

This upgrade allows users to access features of the standard course such as the latest in brain training programs.
The upgrade includes monthly updates together with the latest information from the “Kawashima Channel”. In addition to the “Brain Meter”, “self check” and “brain age check” services are included together with the central management of all records and history of the program.
*Compatible with Android 7.0, iOS 12 and higher.

NeU’s XB-01 is an integrated sensor-type device that weighs only 30 grams and measures 80 × 40 × 13 mm. In addition, Bluetooth capabilities to transfer data to any smartphone or tablet in real-time allows the XB-01 to be used in any environment. Moreover, its unique “butterfly-style” design bends in the middle, allowing the XB-01 to conform to any forehead shape and size.
User-friendly design:
The XB-01 includes a built-in battery that lasts up to 3 hours, a USB charging terminal, easy to use buttons and switches, a handy holder and a designated headband.
Measuring brain activity is now possible on-the-go:
Brain activity measurements were conventionally done in controlled settings such as research laboratories, but the XB-01 with its ultra-compact design can be used in any environment (such as at home or at work). In conjunction with a band-type holder, the XB-01 can be comfortably attached or detached for use in scenarios such inside the hat of a transport driver, or a work site helmet, and so forth, to help prevent accidents and improve work productivity.
Real-time measurement provides extensive usage in various scenarios:
The ultra-compact design of the XB-01 can provide solutions for various usage scenarios such as Cognitive function training, Movement + cognitive function training, Stress coping, Learning and the Utilization of IoH.

1. Cognitive function training
In recent years, it has been found that the higher the activity of the prefrontal cortex during cognitive function training, the afterward effects of improving cognitive function was much higher. It has also revealed that cognitive function training can contribute to maintaining the health of the brain as well.
By using the XB-01 in conjunction with the latest cognitive training programs provided by NeU, users can easily monitor the activation level of their prefrontal cortex in real-time during training. This provides users with the world’s first “individualized optimization cognitive training” that allows a customized program to be selected that can continually load the prefrontal cortex according to the physical conditions of the day.
In addition, by performing real-time monitoring of prefrontal activities during cognitive training together with internal (mental) efforts to raise brain activity, a neuro-feedback effect occurs where higher cognitive functional improvements can be achieved.

2. Movement + cognitive function training
It is a well-known fact that the secretion of BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor), which is a growth factor of neurons, is carried out after aerobic exercise. By combining aerobic exercise with cognitive training and programming, a more effective cognitive function training can be achieved. The XB-01 also provides a heart rate monitoring function due to its ability to measure changes in blood flow rate, which makes it possible to quantify exercise load during aerobic exercises. With the use of this function, a combination of aerobic exercises with moderate load and cognitive function training can now be offered in one package.

3. Stress coping
By utilizing the features of the XB-01, stress coping training can now be performed easily at home or at the workplace by controlling and visualizing one’s brain activities, resulting in an overall reduction in the amount of stress hormones.

4. Learning
Being able to visualize brain activity during the learning process allows the learner to objectively know the degree of his/her concentration level. The learner can then and modify and make changes to his/her environment to better enhances concentration and memory abilities. This process can be applied not only to students, but also to professionals who want to improve their work productivity and performance.

5. Utilization of IoH
By monitoring brain activity in daily scenarios and environments, and collecting and analyzing its data in the cloud, it is possible to record the brain’s load status of (for example) drivers and workers, to encourage moderate breaks and avoid unnecessary work-related stress, contributing to an improvement in society’s overall quality of life.