TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Interaxon Inc., the world leader in consumer brain-sensing technology, today announced report findings by a Kansas State University (KSU) pilot study revealing that the Muse brain-sensing headset improved the focus and behavior of 8th grade middle school students, measured by the number of office referrals for disciplinary action. The study was conducted in a middle school with 434 students and the individuals selected to participate in the study did so over 20 weeks; the demographic was evenly split among male and female students; 54 percent of students were economically disadvantaged and 40 percent were minorities.
The Muse brain-sensing headband uses EEG sensors to detect brain activity in users as they meditate. It then provides real-time feedback via an app, prompting users to re-focus their attention. Over time, repetitive training on re-focusing helps users develop stronger mindfulness and focus as well as better stress control and improved mood. The KSU study used the Muse meditation headband and found that there was a significant statistical difference in students’ office referrals after participating in the program, with referral numbers dropping from an average of 6.33 office referrals to an average of 1.78.
In addition to a reduction in office referrals, students reported the following qualitative experiences:
- Students used words like “soothing,” “calming” and “relaxing” to describe the experience
- Students indicated they could focus without the headset after the meditative exercises
- Students indicated they heard the sounds of their meditative sessions as they used relaxation techniques at school and at home – without the device.
The study was conducted by Tonnie Martinez, Ph.D. and Yuanyuan Zhao, G.R.A. who are part of the Kansas State University College of Education.
“At the KSU College of Education, much of our research agenda focuses on innovating in the classroom,” Martinez said. “Students carry exceptional amounts of stress with them to school, and conversations with frustrated teachers and administrators led me to consider new ways of impacting office referrals and ultimately student success. This pilot study clearly demonstrated the Muse headset as a promising tool in an educational setting that is both nonmedical and noninvasive.”
About Interaxon:
At Interaxon, we develop engaging experiences using brainwave-sensing technology designed to help you free yourself from physical, emotional and mental obstacles so you get more out of every moment. Our mission is to enable you to live a happier, healthier and more connected life with leading brainwave technologies and experiences. Our flagship product is the Muse headband, a sensory headband that is designed to help you meditate by providing you real-time audio and visual feedback on your meditative state through the Muse companion app. More information about Interaxon and the Muse headband is available at http://www.choosemuse.com/.
About the Kansas State University College of Education:
Located in Manhattan, Kansas, the KSU College of Education is the largest teacher preparation program in the state. The college has amassed 12 national and regional awards since 2010 and offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees both on campus and online. For more information about the KSU College of Education, please visit coe.k-state.edu.