Brain Balance

Not to be confused with Brain Gym.
A logo showing a stylized brain. Both sides of the brain are filled with doodles indicating different abilities (letters, numbers, a clock, music notes, etc.).
The Brain Balance company logo.

Brain Balance Achievement Centers are after-school learning centers that offer a program of brain training, exercise, simple physical exercises, skills training, and dietary advice that it says helps children with developmental and learning disabilities.[1][2]

The Brain Balance program was developed by Robert Melillo, a New York–based chiropractor who later added what he calls "functional neurology" to his practice. He began developing the business and its learning centers in 2006, opting for a franchising model. The first center opened in 2007. By early 2018 there were 110 centers in the chain and the business had an annual revenue of $41 million.[2]

As of 2018 there was no good evidence that the company's program helps children.[1] In the scientific and medical community, Brain Balance has been criticized for the lack of scientific evidence for its marketing, as well as its claims about neuroplasticity and other aspects of brain development.[3][4] That assessment is consistent with a 2015 determination by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services that there was insufficient evidence of effectiveness for the company's claims.[5] The results of a June 2018 year-long investigation by National Public Radio cast further doubt on the veracity of claims by the company.[1]

  1. ^ a b c Benderev C (18 June 2018). "'Cutting Edge' Program For Children With Autism And ADHD Rests On Razor-Thin Evidence". All Things Considered. National Public Radio. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
  2. ^ a b Lawrence D (5 February 2018). "How Much Would You Pay to Cure Your Kid's Learning Disability?". Bloomberg Business Week. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  3. ^ Hall H (14 September 2010). "Brain Balance". Science-Based Medicine. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  4. ^ Boulton G (14 November 2010). "Doctors skeptical of center's claims". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  5. ^ Treatment Intervention Advisory Committee Review and Determination (January 2015). "Brain Balance". Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Retrieved 19 June 2018. The committee concludes there continues to be insufficient evidence to consider Brain Balance a proven and effective treatment.