Neuropriming: Brain stimulation for enhanced learning

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 7, 2023

Insight summary

Electronic devices for physical performance enhancement, inspired by age-old brain stimulation concepts, are becoming increasingly popular in the market. These devices enhance physical performance by stimulating certain brain areas associated with motor function and movement. However, more research is needed to fully understand these devices' potential risks and benefits.

Neuropriming context

The brain's motor cortex sends signals to the muscles for movement. As a person learns new things, new neural connections are established, and the motor cortex adapts to them likewise. Neuropriming refers to a non-invasive stimulation of the brain to make it more prone to discovering new synaptic connections. Small electric pulses are sent to the brain, causing it to attain hyperplasticity—a state where new neurons are firing rapidly, and new connections can be discovered, enhancing physical performance. 

Accordingly, a technique allows new movement patterns like drills and even new languages to be learned in a shorter time as neural pathways are formed swiftly in hyperplasticity. Development of newer pathways that are more efficient than old ones can also occur, fixing performance issues. Endurance also increases as fatigue is often related to low neuron firing rates. As such, companies are investing in creating devices that feature neuropriming. 

For example, Jabra’s Halo and Halo 2 headphones are supposedly backed up by 15 years of research and 4000 peer-reviewed papers. The devices are increasingly gaining popularity among athletes. The Halo headphones also use a companion app that allows users to customize the neuropriming session based on their specific needs and goals. The app can also track progress and provide personalized feedback.

Disruptive impact 

The use of neuropriming technology is not limited to athletes; it can also be used by musicians, gamers, and other individuals looking to improve their physical performance. The technology has the potential to decrease training times, allowing amateurs to quickly reach a professional level of performance. As the technology continues to evolve, we will likely see upgrades to current devices and the introduction of more customized solutions. 

The market for neuropriming technology is expected to grow in the coming years. As a result, more research will be conducted to understand this technology's potential uses and benefits. However, as the popularity of neuropriming devices increases, cheaper knockoffs may also enter the market. These knockoffs may not be as safe or effective as the original, so it is essential to be aware of the risks and dangers of using these products.

Another potential concern of the widespread adoption of neuropriming aids and tools is that individuals may become dependent on the technology and unable to perform without the use of neuropriming devices. There may also be long-term unintended side effects, such as headaches, nausea, or other neurological symptoms. Additionally, the overuse of neuropriming devices may lead to brain plasticity changes, altering how the brain functions in the long term.

Implications of neuropriming 

Wider implications of neuropriming may include:

• Industries involving physical activities like sports and the military having younger professionals as training times decrease. Retirement ages for these sectors can also become older.


• Increased inequality between people who can afford to own these devices and those who have to rely on their “natural abilities.”


• Stricter regulations on neuropriming products as they can falsely mislead people into believing there are no potential side effects. 


• Increased incidents of mental health side effects, especially since the technology lacks any standardization.


• Increased productivity and economic growth, as individuals are able to learn and perform tasks more efficiently.


• Changes in education and workforce training policies, as well as regulations around the use of neuropriming technology.


• The rapid development of new technologies, such as brain-computer interfaces, that are based on the principles of neuropriming.


• The creation of new forms of entertainment, such as virtual reality experiences tailored to the individual's brain waves.


• Neuropriming techniques being used to treat neurological conditions and cognitive disorders.


• Potential increase in government surveillance using neuropriming technology to monitor individuals.

Questions to consider

• How could neuropriming technology impact the way we learn and perform tasks?


• How could neuropriming technology impact the workforce and job market?