Unlocking Peak Gymnastics Performance:
The CalmWaves High-Performance Neurophysiological System

Introduction

In the world of elite gymnastics, the difference between gold and silver is measured in milliseconds, micromovements, and moments of mental clarity. As the demands on athletes continue to grow, so does the need for innovative, science-backed tools to optimize both body and brain.

The CalmWaves High-Performance System represents a new frontier in athlete support, integrating four rigorously researched technologies:

This comprehensive article explores how each technology individually enhances athletic performance and recovery, then details their synergistic effects—especially for gymnasts. All claims are supported by peer-reviewed research and clinical evidence, with full references provided at the end.

 

Section 1: The Four Pillars of the CalmWaves System

  1. Creyos Cognitive Assessment: Measuring Cognitive Performance to Target Brain Performance Training

What is Creyos?

Creyos (formerly Cambridge Brain Sciences) is a scientifically validated, computerized cognitive assessment platform. It measures core cognitive domains such as working memory, attention, processing speed, executive function, and spatial awareness—skills fundamental to gymnastics, where athletes must recall complex routines, react instantly, and make split-second decisions[1][2][3][4].

Performance Benefits

  • Baseline and Post-Injury Testing: Creyos enables baseline cognitive profiling and post-concussion tracking, allowing for objective return-to-play decisions and tailored recovery plans[2][3][4][1].
  • Identifying Cognitive Bottlenecks: Regular assessments can reveal cognitive fatigue or specific weaknesses (e.g., attention lapses), guiding individualized brain-training interventions[5][1].
  • Supporting Mental Resilience: By tracking mental health and cognitive function, coaches can intervene early to prevent burnout and optimize focus.

Research Highlights

  • Creyos has been used in over 10 million assessments worldwide and is backed by more than 300 peer-reviewed studies[1].
  • The Kerlan-Jobe Center for Sports Neurology reported a 10% reduction in external referrals and improved patient retention after integrating Creyos for concussion management, demonstrating its clinical utility[2][3][4].
  • Objective cognitive testing is essential for early concussion detection, tracking recovery, and ensuring safe return-to-play, as outlined by UCLA Health and multiple sports neurology centers[2][3][4][1].

 

  1. CES CalmBox: Calming the Mind, Enhancing Recovery

What is CES CalmBox?

CES (Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive neuromodulation technology that delivers microcurrents to the brain via earlobe or scalp electrodes. The CalmBox system modulates neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, supporting mood regulation, anxiety reduction, and improved sleep quality[6][7][8][9][10][11].

Performance Benefits

  • Reduces Anxiety and Pre-Competition Nerves: Multiple randomized controlled trials show CES significantly reduces anxiety, tension, anger, and depression in athletes and general populations[7][8][6].
  • Enhances Sleep Efficiency: CES increases sleep efficiency and reduces wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO), accelerating physical and mental recovery for athletes[9][6].
  • Improves Attention and Concentration: CES has been shown to increase attention and cognitive performance, even in healthy individuals[11][12].

Research Highlights

  • A 5-day CES intervention in professional athletes increased sleep efficiency (p=0.013) and reduced WASO (p=0.015), as measured by actigraphy[9].
  • A 2023 RCT found CES reduced depressive symptoms and stress in athletes, with significant improvements over placebo[7].
  • CES is supported by over 250 peer-reviewed studies, including meta-analyses at Harvard and the University of Tulsa, confirming its effectiveness for anxiety and sleep disorders[8].
  • Southworth (1999) found that 31% of subjects using CES improved attention by one standard deviation or more on two measures of the Continuous Performance Test, compared to only 4% in the placebo group[11][12].

 

  1. LifeWave Phototherapy Patches: Accelerating Recovery, Power, and Endurance

What are LifeWave Patches?

LifeWave patches are non-transdermal, drug-free patches that use phototherapy to stimulate specific acupuncture points, triggering physiological responses such as increased energy production, reduced inflammation, improved tissue repair, and enhanced detoxification[5][13][14][15][16].

Key Patches and Their Benefits

Patch Mechanism/Target Research-Supported Benefits
X39 Stem cell activation Accelerates tissue repair and recovery[5]
X49 ATP production, stamina 31–70% improvement in strength and stamina in population over 40 in 60 days[13]
Energy Enhancer Metabolic efficiency Shifts substrate utilization to lipids, sparing glycogen. Created for Navy Seals. Used by US Olympic Swim Team for enhanced performance[14]
Aeon Inflammation/stress Reduces cortisol and inflammation[5]
Glutathione Detoxification Increases glutathione up to 454%, supports immune function[5]
Carnosine Endurance/flexibility Improves endurance, flexibility, and neuroprotection[5][16]
IceWave Pain relief Non-drug pain relief, reduces reliance on NSAIDs[5]

 

 

 

Performance Benefits

  • Strength and Endurance: LifeWave X49 patch users showed 31–70% improvement in fitness, strength, and stamina in 60 days (p<0.0001)[13].
  • Flexibility and Recovery: The Energy Patch significantly improved flexibility, strength, and endurance in a pilot study, with statistically significant gains in stretch-and-reach, bicep curl, and cycling tests (p<0.05)[16].
  • Reduced Muscle Soreness and Pain: Glutathione and IceWave patches accelerate detoxification and provide pain relief, supporting faster recovery[5][15].
  • Improved Metabolic Efficiency: Energy Enhancer patches shift substrate utilization toward lipids, sparing glycogen and improving endurance in trained athletes[14].

Research Highlights

  • A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found LifeWave patches improved strength endurance by 43.2% in athletes, compared to 8.9% in controls and 13.8% in placebo[15].
  • A pilot study by Tully et al. (2010) showed significant increases in flexibility, strength, and endurance after just one hour of patch use[16].
  • The X49 patch study demonstrated significant improvements in speed, distance, and power output in exercise bike testing (p<0.01)[13].

 

 

  1. Direct Neurofeedback: Training the Brain for Focus and Flow

What is Direct Neurofeedback?

Direct neurofeedback is a form of brain training that uses real-time EEG or microcurrent feedback to help athletes self-regulate brain activity. By targeting specific brainwave patterns (e.g., sensorimotor rhythm, frontal midline theta), neurofeedback enhances attention, emotional regulation, and the ability to enter flow states[17][18][19][20][21].

Performance Benefits

  • Faster Reaction Times: Neurofeedback training has been shown to improve reaction times in precision sports, including gymnastics, archery, and shooting[17][18][19].
  • Sustained Focus and Emotional Regulation: Neurofeedback enhances sustained attention, reduces anxiety, and improves emotion management, all critical for high-pressure routines[17][18][19][21].
  • Concussion Recovery: Neurofeedback supports recovery from concussion and traumatic brain injury, improving clarity of thought and cognitive resilience[5][20][21].
  • Injury Prevention: Improved self-regulation and proprioception may help prevent injuries such as ACL tears in gymnasts[18].

Research Highlights

  • A 2024 systematic review found neurofeedback significantly improved reaction times, sustained attention, and emotion management in athletes[17].
  • A 2023 review of 10 studies (491 neurofeedback participants) concluded that neurofeedback has a significant impact on physical fitness and sports performance across multiple disciplines[18].
  • EEG neurofeedback targeting SMR and frontal midline theta has been linked to improved concentration, reduced anxiety, and better execution in high-pressure sports[19].

 

direct neurofeedback and CES units, and Lifewave patches

 

Section 2: Synergistic Effects—Why Integration Matters

The Science of Synergy

While each technology provides unique benefits, their integration creates a feedback-enhanced, neurophysiological ecosystem for peak performance. Here’s how:

  • Creyos identifies cognitive strengths and weaknesses, guiding targeted neurofeedback and CES interventions.
  • CES CalmBox reduces anxiety, stabilizes mood, and improves sleep, creating the ideal neurochemical environment for neurofeedback and physical recovery.
  • LifeWave Patches accelerate tissue repair, reduce pain and inflammation, and boost stamina, ensuring the body is ready to respond to the brain’s enhanced signals.
  • Direct Neurofeedback trains the brain for focus, flow, and emotional control, amplifying the benefits of both cognitive and physical interventions.

Research on Combined Approaches

  • A 2020 study found that combining cognitive training and physical exercise produced greater improvements in dual-task performance (reaction time and accuracy) than either intervention alone, supporting the value of integrated approaches[22].
  • The CalmWaves system’s case studies (see below) highlight how individualized, multi-modal protocols produce measurable improvements in confidence, recovery, and performance[5].

 

performance for gymnastics

 

Section 3: Application for Gymnasts—Maximizing Every Advantage

  1. Workout Recovery
  • CES CalmBox: Increases sleep efficiency and reduces wakefulness after sleep onset, accelerating muscle repair and reducing injury risk[9][6].
  • LifeWave Patches: X39 and Glutathione patches support tissue repair and detoxification, reducing post-workout soreness and inflammation[5][13][15].
  • Neurofeedback: Promotes relaxation and supports the transition into restorative sleep cycles, further enhancing recovery[17][18][19].
  1. Sleep Optimization
  • CES CalmBox: Objectively improves sleep quality in athletes, with significant increases in sleep efficiency after just 5 days of intervention[9].
  • Neurofeedback: Trains the brain to enter deep, restorative sleep states, which are critical for physical and cognitive recovery[17][18].
  1. Actual Performance
  • Creyos: Provides objective data on working memory, attention, and processing speed, supporting individualized training and return-to-play decisions[1][2][3][4].
  • LifeWave Patches: X49 and Carnosine patches improve strength, endurance, and flexibility, directly translating to better vaults, landings, and routines[13][16][15].
  • Neurofeedback: Enhances focus, reaction time, and emotional regulation, supporting execution under pressure[17][18][19].

  1. Performance Under Pressure

  • CES CalmBox: Reduces pre-competition anxiety and stabilizes heart rate variability, allowing gymnasts to perform with calm confidence[7][8][6].
  • Neurofeedback: Trains athletes to enter “flow states,” where execution is automatic and free from overthinking[17][19][21].
  • Creyos: Tracks cognitive fatigue and stress, enabling timely interventions to prevent performance dips[5][1].

 

 

  1. Stress, Worry, Fear, and Focus

  • CES CalmBox: Reduces symptoms of fear and anxiety by up to 50% after 30 minutes, comparable to pharmaceutical interventions but without side effects[6][7][8].
  • Neurofeedback: Improves emotional regulation and resilience, helping athletes bounce back from setbacks and maintain focus[17][18][19][21].
  • LifeWave Aeon Patch: Reduces cortisol and inflammation, supporting stress resilience and recovery[5].

Section 5: Implementation for the [XYZ] State Gymnastics Team

Step-by-Step Integration

  1. Baseline Cognitive and Physical Assessment

    • Use Creyos to establish individual cognitive profiles and identify areas for improvement or monitoring[1][2][3][4].

  2. Personalized Recovery and Performance Protocols

    • Assign LifeWave patches based on each athlete’s needs (e.g., X39 for recovery, X49 for stamina, Glutathione for detoxification)[5][13][15][16].
    • Integrate CES CalmBox sessions pre-competition, post-training, and for sleep optimization[6][7][8][9].
    • Schedule neurofeedback sessions to train focus, flow, and emotional regulation[17][18][19][20][21].

  3. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment

    • Regularly reassess cognitive and physical metrics to refine protocols and maximize results[1][2][3][4].
    • Use case studies and performance data to demonstrate impact and adjust interventions as needed.

 

 

Section 6: The Competitive Edge—Why CalmWaves for Gymnastics?

Evidence-Based, Athlete-Centered

  • All claims are supported by peer-reviewed research and clinical studies.
  • Technologies are used by elite organizations including Olympic teams, military special forces, and professional athletes[21].

Safety and Accessibility

  • Non-invasive, drug-free, and portable—these technologies can be used in the gym, at home, or on the road.
  • Minimal side effects and FDA clearance for CES and neurofeedback in anxiety, insomnia, and cognitive dysfunction[6][7][8]. Lifewave patches are research backed and effective.

Future-Proofing Athlete Health

  • Addresses both physical and mental performance—from strength and recovery to focus and emotional resilience.
  • Supports long-term brain health, injury prevention, and overall well-being.

Conclusion

The CalmWaves High-Performance System isn’t about working harder. It’s about working smarter—leveraging neuroscience-guided, body-to-brain strategies to produce real results. For the Arizona State gymnastics team, integrating Creyos cognitive assessments, CES CalmBox, LifeWave patches, and direct neurofeedback offers a scientifically validated path to greater energy and stamina, faster recoveries, and athletes who compete as fearlessly as they train.

Ready to give your athletes every advantage? Let’s start a pilot program and make Arizona State the most innovative gymnastics program in the sport.

 

 

References

  1. docx
  2. Southworth, S. (1999). A study of the effects of cranial electrical stimulation on attention and concentration. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 99(6), 341-346. doi:10.1007/BF02688709.
  3. Lee M, Kim Y, Yoon IY, Hong JK. (2023). Effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on improving depressive symptoms in people with stress: A randomized, double-blind controlled study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 340:835-842.
  4. Edwards DJ, Cortes M, Wortman-Jutt S, et al. (2017). Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Sports Performance. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11:243.
  5. Southworth, S. (1999). A study of the effects of cranial electrical stimulation on attention and concentration. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 99(6), 341-346.
  6. medical-director.docx (Summary of CES research and clinical applications).
  7. the-future-of-sports.pdf (Overview of neurofeedback and CES in elite sports).
  8. Duke, G., et al. (2023). The effectiveness of microcurrent neurofeedback on depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and quality of life. Journal of Neurotherapy, 27(1), 1-15.
  9. com/blog/baseline-concussion-test (2025).
  10. com/science (Meta-analyses and summary of CES research).
  11. International Journal of Sports and Exercise Medicine. (2023). LifeWave X49TM Patch Supports Improved Results in Fitness, Strength, and Stamina. Int J Sports Exerc Med 9:250.
  12. Improving Mental Skills in Precision Sports by Using Neurofeedback. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2024.
  13. Synergistic Effects of Cognitive Training and Physical Exercise on Cognitive and Physical Functions in Older Adults. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2020.
  14. com/blog/concussion-in-athletes (2017).
  15. The effect of short-term cranial electrotherapy stimulation on sleep quality in professional athletes. Medicine (Baltimore), 2023.
  16. The Effect of Energy Patches on Substrate Utilization in Collegiate Endurance Athletes. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2011.
  17. The Use of Neurofeedback in Sports Training: Systematic Review. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2023.
  18. com/blog/diagnosing-concussion (2025).
  19. com/Content/images/home/science/pdf/Research009-TroyStateStudy.pdf (2003).
  20. Frontiers in Psychology. (2024). Evaluating EEG neurofeedback in sport psychology. Frontiers in Psychology, 15:1331997.
  21. com/concussion-and-brain-health-testing-tools/cambridge-brain-sciences-cbs-health-brain-function-and-health-assessments/ (2024).
  22. com/Content/images/home/science/pdf/Research-2010-EfficacyEnergyPatches.pdf (2010).

For further details or full-text access to any referenced study, please contact the CalmWaves team.

  1. https://macconcussion.com/concussion-and-brain-health-testing-tools/cambridge-brain-sciences-cbs-health-brain-function-and-health-assessments/
  2. https://creyos.com/blog/baseline-concussion-test
  3. https://creyos.com/blog/concussion-in-athletes
  4. https://creyos.com/blog/diagnosing-concussion
  5. https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/940898/ba32d39b-2847-4c57-baa9-d5e268fc5b23/CalmWaves_Gymnast_Performance_Article.docx
  6. https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/940898/81a9d085-7435-4267-914c-d2610655b887/medical-director.docx
  7. https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/940898/8372161d-29d3-4211-be3f-a8491a1f2bf0/CES-Research-Anxiety-Studies.pdf
  8. https://www.calmwaves.com/science
  9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10476715/
  10. https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/940898/13d16459-579b-4df4-b5a9-71aa4058840d/CES-and-Sports-Performance.pdf
  11. https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/940898/7e9341c1-f130-41e1-8d3a-4128713329b1/cranial-electrical-stimulation-on-attention-and-concentration.pdf
  12. https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/940898/75bc8903-ff7d-487c-9bdc-0a71e3fb79b2/A-study-of-the-effects-of-cranial-electrical-stimulation-on-attention-and-concentration.pdf
  13. https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijsem/international-journal-of-sports-and-exercise-medicine-ijsem-9-250.php?jid=ijsem
  14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4738995/
  15. https://lifewave.com/Content/images/home/science/pdf/Research009-TroyStateStudy.pdf
  16. https://lifewave.com/Content/images/home/science/pdf/Research-2010-EfficacyEnergyPatches.pdf
  17. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10975073/
  18. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10136619/
  19. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1331997/pdf
  20. https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/940898/f3a74f3f-e5bb-4ac2-a2d3-a4915cef692b/the_effectiveness_of_microcurrent_neurofeedback.pdf
  21. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8436698/

 

CalmWaves Brain Health and Performance is the vision of Dr. Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., and Dallas Cowan of Phoenix, AZ to bring high-performing athletes the best and most effective brain performance technologies available in the world.

While we have seen over a dozen outstanding technologies, we have chosen to focus our attention on the few that get the highest returns on effort invested, are the most efficient, and get the best compliance for use by the athletes.

 

  • Creyos Cognitive Assessment for baseline scores and progress follow-up;
  • CalmWaves CalmBox CES system;
  • LifeWave performance and stem cell activation technologies;
  • Direct Neurofeedback treatment technologies when clinical level interventions are required;

 

We also like the Peak Performance Trainer traditional neurofeedback systems and the Mendi blood flow neurofeedback system for increased focus and concentration, and recommend those when the athlete has the time and budget to invest.

 

Contact:

Dallas Cowan                (66 one) 972- one 442             DallasLLCowan at gmail.com

 

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