Continuing the discussion on sports medicine
fads, this week I will examine research related to Power Balance Bands and look
at the ‘magic’ behind the hologram. According to proponents of Power Balance Bands those who sport the
wristband will notice increased performance, strength, flexibility, and
balance. The unique hologram on the bracelet is based on Eastern philosophies
and related energies or Chi. As explained by the company, “Many
Eastern philosophies contain ideas related to energy. These are commonly
referenced as Chi or Chakras. There are a number of well known practices like
acupuncture, meditation and Feng Shu, which are believed to affect these
energies. The hologram is based on some of these same ideologies.”
A
double-blind research study conducted at Eastern Illinois University tested athletes in five
sport specific activities. The researchers found
that the Power Balance bracelet did
not provide any sort of statistical advantage over simply wearing a placebo
bracelet.
The Journal
of Strength & Conditioning Research published a study that examined the
effect of the Power Balance band on balance, flexibility, and arm strength in adults.
The researchers in this double-blind study concluded that, “the bands did not
have an effect on strength, flexibility, or balance.”
Based on
scientific research, the athletic enhancement benefits of Power Balance Bands,
similar to Kinesio Tape, fail to live up to the founder’s claims. This product, although
promoted highly among athletes, has proven to be a fad. However, the ‘placebo’
effect appears to be an effective benefit of the wristband; the Power Balance
Bands continue to dominate sales even though they lack the scientific evidence
to support their companies’ claims.
Upcoming Next Week: Read my final blog of the
series on Sports Medicine Fads – Phiten Technology
I have enjoyed reading this series that you have written about. While I have never used the tape, I have used Power Balance bracelets. I can definitely agree with the placebo effect that the bracelets provide. After having my first bracelet only a week, the hologram began to protrude out from under the clear rubber cover. I bought another bracelet thinking, I may have just had a defective bracelet. I was wrong my next bracelet lasted maybe two weeks and the same thing happened. I know of many other people that had the same thing happen to them and many people continued to wear them because it was the “thing” that was popular at that time. I look forward to the Phiten article to see if it is the same outcome.
ReplyDeleteIn reading this article I was extremely pleased to find out that my assumptions of these bands were proven true by the two double blind studies performed on them. The bracelet’s provide a false sense of reality, in some ways they are a lie, you are promised increased athleticism by simply putting one on. This false sense of reality is telling many athletes and average Americans that there is no work to be done to gain the aspects of strength and flexibility and as a strength and conditioning coach this is a slap in the face. Nothing will increase your general athleticism as well as hard work and dedication do, as these fads roll in and out of the spotlight there is always one constant hiding in the shadows that most will be afraid of but will always show great results and that is hard work. This blog bringing to light how the bracelets don’t actually work is a definite victory for anyone in the field of personal training and strength and conditioning.
ReplyDeleteAs Annie found out, the research gives the evidence that these bands do not work. I agree with the research and totally disagree with these companies behind the fad. I wore some in high school because they were popular and I didn’t notice any positive increases in my performance. I think the reason they are so popular is because kid’s role models, professional athletes, often wear and endorse them. However, a lot of them probably get paid by the manufacturing company to support this fake cause. The research proves that these bands do not work. Just say no to these false methods of enhanced performance.
ReplyDeleteI love how placebos effect the way people think and perform. If someone tells a person that a certain product is "cool", or they will run faster, or even that it will improve their over all health, that person will be over it. It's amazing how the mind works! Some say, "if you believe, you will achieve" which is right on the target when it comes to something like a balance band. It may not work the way the company says it will, but if someone believes it will work and they end up performing at a high level.. then it definitely worked! It is just sad that companies do this to gain revenue instead of working for and telling the truth to their consumers.
ReplyDelete