Brain Fitness

Spotlight: Makoto Arena

The Makoto Arena pits players between three towers that have 12 targets each. When you step in the arena, visual and audio stimuli are presented to you at random in a multi-planar 360 degree environment. The machine tests for accuracy and reaction time, at varying levels of difficulty.

How it works

The combination of this stimuli with cross midline body movements and aerobic exercise triggers the release of certain proteins, called BDNFs.  These proteins, then, promote the growth and repair of neurological connections. Overall, it improves the functioning of your brain – It’s like ramping up the operating speed of your computer.

In a Washington U study, just 30 two-minute games made statistically significant improvement in brain function for children with autism. (And they love to play!) Improvements in reading speed and math are seen in as quickly as six weeks.

Why is Brain Fitness Important?

Developing more neural pathways – what does that do?

• Like secondary roads in a traffic grid
• Creates pathways for executing new “moves” faster;
• Recognizing needed responses quicker

The Science behind Brain Fitness

Neurons that fire together … wire together.

Advances in fMRIs (brain imaging) and other, computer-based, tests have given us a better way to evaluate the brain’s function. The concept of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to grow and change, has become more mainstream and applications of research-based brain training are improving brain functions such as processing speed and working memory.

And now there’s equipment that hits the brain’s hot buttons: auditory, visual systems, touch, and – here’s the best part –
Ya gotta move! And you don’t know where you have to move next!
When you combine exercise (which is described by Harvard researcher Dr. John Ratey as “Miracle Gro for the brain”) with the random patterns of multiplanar-movement-inducing, multisensory equipment, the end results are.. better brains.