Mental health is just as important as physical health. As an athlete, there is even more pressure to perform at the top level in high pressure situations. Being in the wrong mindset during a game can be just as costly as any physical injury. World class tennis player, Naomi Osaka, withdrew from the 2021 French Open tennis tournament in order to focus on her mental health. This occurred after Osaka refused to attend post match press conferences given that some questions asked affected her mental health. She was fined fifteen - thousand dollars as well as threatened to be expelled from the French Open all together. This was ultimately what caused Osaka to withdraw and focus on her anxiety and sense of vulnerability that came with competing on such big stages such as the French Open tournament. Naomi Osaka is the highest paid female athlete. Just like anyone else she, as well as other athletes struggle with their mental state of mind. The Versus headset was created to help athletes like Osaka.
The Versus device looks like a simple headset along with an app. The purpose of this device is to allow you to learn how to be in the best mental state possible so one is able to perform to the best of their abilities. This is done through electroencephalography, this method monitors and records the electrical activity of the brain. The app goes through a series of courses beginning with simple tasks such as making a balloon rise. The game continues to get more difficult as the levels go on. In order to successfully complete the courses the player has to have controlled breathing and be in the right brain state such as being focused. These games are made to mimic how athletes feel during high pressure situations. Similar to a player being on the field, when they are focused and confident the levels are passed with ease. When the player is frustrated, the player is stuck on that course until they regain focus and relax while trying to find a new course of action.
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