About us

In the beginning

In 1990, Dr. André Brossard, chiropractor and sports medicine specialist, discovered that by modifying the exchange of neuromotor and sensory reflex information between the spinal cord and the brain, he could improve the physical well-being of amputees suffering from phantom limb syndrome (pain, numbness, discomfort caused by an amputated limb).

Dr. Brossard has conducted more than 15 years of research. Several studies and research with athletes of all ages have shown that specific reflex stimulation (facilitation) of the wrist, ankle and lower back increases the percentage of neuromotor reflexes, strength, endurance, VO2max and facilitates a faster recovery. As a result, within a short period of time, performance and general well-being improve. By identifying several fields of application in the medical and sports fields, Dr. Brossard has developed a worldwide patent for what is now known as the neuro-facilitator — the Kirax® Reflex technology.

This technology produces a light, yet specific, mechanical stimulation (tactile pressure of -200 mmHg) exerted on four specific skin regions of the human body: the lower part of the skull, the wrist, the lower back and the ankle.

Skin pressure created by your simple body movements!

Let’s take a closer look at how this ergonomic technology works:

1. Reflex Kirax® technology creates neuro-facilitation

A stimulus (-200mmhg) is received by the sensory receptor. Nerve impulses are transmitted to the CNS (central nervous system) by sensory neurons.

2. Nervous control of movement

Nerve impulses leave the (CNS) through efferent motor neurons to the spinal cord.

3. Neurological alertness (efferent/afferent motor reflexes)

The motor neurological system is like a highway (spinal cord) carrying sensory information to the brain via efferent motor neurons. Following this stimulus, the brain sends back a response through the afferent motor neurons, creating a reaction (strength, endurance, etc.). In short, it modifies neurological vigilance.

As a result, skeletal muscles are stimulated by efferent motor neurons that originate in one of these three levels:

The spinal cord,
The lower regions of the brain,
The motor area of the cerebral cortex.

4. Muscles

Motor impulses reach muscle fibers and trigger the afferent motor response (neurological vigilance)

The benefits of this technology make it possible to:

increase neurological vigilance (161%), i.e. to offer better anticipation (of the motor reflex)
increase strength
increase endurance
decrease fatigue
help reduce repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

News and developments

In 2009, Kirax International signed an agreement with Université Laval’s Rouge et Or football team.

In September 2011, after a meeting with the administration and medical staff of the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning team, the organization decided to use the Reflex Kirax® technology with its players. Injury prevention and reaction time is paramount in this sport.

In 2012, Kirax’s orthotics were licensed by Health Canada and received EC *class 1 medical device, establishment licence #5190 EC (wrist, lower back (sacral) and ankle (lower) orthotics were produced as a silicone, non-allergenic product).

In 2008, the Canadian Space Agency welcomed Dr. Brossard as the first chiropractor to present his research in functional health.

Since its inception, the Reflex Kirax® technology has received excellent feedback from high-profile users, including people from the sports, athletic, business, cultural and artistic communities. Many Olympic and professional athletes (hockey, football, tennis, kayak, ski, snowboard) have been able to optimize their performance with Reflex Kirax® orthotics.

Laboratory tests

Research and development of the Reflex Kirax® technology was conducted in collaboration with the departments of Neurophysiology (Michel Portmann, Ph.D. and Kinanthropology and Jean P. Boucher, Ph.D.) at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). The placebo tests were performed and were found to be invalid. The following tests were performed in controlled situations:

• VO2 max test
• Vertical pulse test
• BIOTONIX TM
• Kin-com electronics and EMG were used for the strength tests
• Wrist shot velocity test (hockey) Midget AAA
• Ski tests: giant slalom, downhill
• Fitness centre survey, conducted in Italy (68 people)

« Optimize your well-being as well as your performance! »
Dr André Brossard D.C.