A little over a year ago, I began stumbling onto more and more reports on a product called Power Balance, a silicone wristband that boasted the ability to tap into the body's energy field to improve balance, strength and flexibility.
Celebrities endorsed it by the dozens, while people online were raving about it. Given its claims, it's no wonder: this is a tiny piece of plastic with two holograms on each side, pretending to hold the key to a myriad of problems.
As I said in the article from back then, the people behind Power Balance vouched it was not a scam, because it used the same principle employed in age-old practices like acupressure and acupuncture.
Intrigued (and seeing the interest my initial coverage of Power Balance generated in readers), I contacted the company making this so-called revolutionary product posing as the solution for both athletes and regular people. After all, who wouldn't want to be the best they can be?
In June this year, I got a package in the mail: in it were two fancy little boxes, containing two separate bracelets, one white and one black, both in medium size.
From the start, I noticed that, for a bracelet made of plastic, the wristband was very nicely packaged. It comes in 5 different sizes (from XS to XL) and several colors, including red, blue, and orange.
To make my test as objective as possible, I gave the black bracelet to my best friend, keeping the white one for myself – it was fancier, too, just suitable for a girl.
The first couple of days, I noticed nothing different, except for the fact that many people were very intrigued about what I was wearing on my wrist: they would confuse it for a watch and couldn't understand how I could read time on such a minuscule piece.
Then, I realized something had changed. Though I've never been what one may call the hyper-active type, I do like to be on the move a lot: I go for jogs in the morning when the weather is nice, strength train, go on walks and, when my schedule allows me, also go to the gym for aerobics classes.
The very nature of my work makes it so that I welcome every little help I can get in terms of being more physically active: the dangers and disadvantages of a job behind the desk at the computer are well documented in specialized literature.
I was, either way, determined to test Power Balance starting from the premise that it might just not work. Imagine my surprise when I realized, two weeks into the testing period, that I was feeling better than ever.
I wasn't that surprised either that the wristband didn't work as I believed it would, especially since the makers say it acts differently with each wearer. I didn't feel more energized or stronger – instead, I slept sounder and better than ever.
My college formation and current occupation (together with some medical issues we shan't get into now) have left me with back pains that, when stress and exhaustion are added in, translate into insufferable headaches and poor quality of sleep.
With the Power Balance, I would wake up refreshed and completely relaxed, as if the previous day had been a holiday. My friend told me he had also noticed the same, but only after I made sure I had not informed him of what I made of the changes.
Two more weeks passed (still with excellent sleep at night and clarity of mind during the day), and we decided to switch back to our previous, un-Power-Balanced selves.
I took the wristband off during lunch hour and barely made it through the rest of the work day. I felt I could die right there from the lack of energy. I got home, went straight to bed, and, upon waking up a mess the next day, decided the bracelet worked and I would never remove it again because the experience without it had been horrendous.
Thus I continued for another three weeks. It was very warm outside already and because I didn't want to get a tan with the band on my wrist (girls will be girls), I removed it one day and decided I would deal with whatever evil should befall me without it.
My friend agreed to do the same, and we would meet later to talk about how the experience had been for both.
The next day, I woke up and sensed nothing different: oddly enough, I still had slept well without the band. I went to the office and willed myself not to think of it (and particularly of not having it on me), which, it seems, was easy enough because I got caught up in work.
And so, one week passed, then two, and three, and four. After a month – and still seeing no difference – me and my friend put the bracelets back on. Still nothing.
We wore them for another week without any change and then, after doing lots of research online about the tests you can perform with the Power balance, I put it through the paces on my friend.
He, of course, had no idea what it was all about: we did all the (blind) tests recommended by the makers themselves using the bracelet and replacements, and we noticed no difference.
After many months trying to at least come close to understanding the mysterious ways in which Power Balance worked, we came to the conclusion that it does what it says only when the wearer knows s/he has it on.
Claims of the Power Balance Wristband
“Optimal health and peak performance occur when your body maintains ionic balance (the exchange between negative and positive charges) and free flowing energy pathways (harmony) at the optimum frequency,” reads a post on the official page of the product.
“Power Balance, after years of research and development, has produced a system to safely restore and optimize the electro-magnetic balance within the human body… immediately,” it is further said.
“Power Balance’s Mylar Holographic Disk (the same substance used to keep static electricity from damaging electrical components) has been embedded with an electrical frequency that restores your body’s electrical balance, promoting a free exchange of positive and negative ions and align your body’s energy pathways,” the post reads.
Scientific Foundation
None. There is not one single study to confirm the claims made by the makers of Power Balance. Even those who endorse it can't tell how it works, choosing instead to go for the “it depends on the wearer” excuse.
Moreover, the Australian Skeptics have proved all the claims of improvement in physical condition are bogus and entirely dependent on the wearer knowing s/he has the hologram on.
Conclusions
In other words, the Power Balance works only if you want it to, which is only a more delicate way of saying you're paying $29.95 for something to motivate you when you can't find it in yourself to do so.
Whatever improvements in strength, flexibility, balance and (as in mine and my friend's case) quality of sleep and clarity of mind are noticeable are the placebo effect, defined as “the beneficial effect in a patient following a particular treatment that arises from the patient's expectations concerning the treatment rather than from the treatment itself” by the The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.
Then again, if you have the money to dispose of, and you simply can't find it in yourself to motivate yourself in certain situations, the Power Balance can do no harm.
*Update [January 27, 2011]: Power Balance Australia has officially admitted claims of the Power Balance silicone wristband have no scientific backing, were misleading, which means product is a scam. Refunds will be made until June 30, 2011. More on this here.
i tell u sir that this so called Power Balance Wristband is * . Why don' t they use it in hospitals if it is so great.
Comment #1.1 by: science or marketing on 03 Jan 2011, 22:51 GMT
they can't use it in hospitals as it has no FDA approval, whicah actually makes it a crime to sell it, but hey they ignore that law. To get approval it would need to be tested, but hey why bother testing it.
Well a couple of good reasons spring to mind,
a) So that the long term side effects are tested for. ( I know there aren't any as the there are no effects whatsoever, but if they are going to claim effects then they need to test for side effects to ensure it's safe.
b) so that people who need real treatments don't ignore pain by using a placebo and leave real treatment until it's too late.
Comment #1.2 by: frakdaddy on 12 Feb 2012, 20:09 GMT
The power balance test video doesnt make sense.. For the second "strength" test, the guy doing the testing is pulling down on the hand of the man to test his strength... however, the tester said that power balance works as long as the user is within 1-3 inches of the band.. so technically, arent both the tester and the experimente experiencing the "revolution" of the powerband? Sounds like a scam
My name is Greg Blankinship, and I am a lawyer investigating potential false advertising claims in connection with the Power Bracelet. If you purchased a Power Bracelet and would like to discuss your legal options, please contact me:
Comment #2.2 by: Elena Gorgan on 07 Jan 2011, 07:14 GMT
Here's more info on this: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Power-Balance-Hit-with-Class-Action-Lawsuit-for-Bogus-Claims-176740.shtml
Customers are suing the makers of Power Balance for selling it under bogus claims, there's no scientific study to back up their claims.
Hope this helps. Best,
Elena
Comment #2.3 by: Conner on 28 Feb 2012, 22:03 GMT
Yeah we should waste our time trying to sue someone trying to make it in life. Its obvious that the Power Balance works for (some) people. They dont claim on the advertisement that it works for everyone.
I got a powerband from my brother as a gift. I normaly wake up at 1:30 every night. With the band i slept throw the night. Tonight i took the band off and at 1:30 i woke up again. This is to say it works for me.
Comment #4 by: Butterfly on 10 Feb 2011, 23:17 UTC
Maybe it is the fact that you are wearing it and your are feeling and sleeping better only because you know it's on is ok with me because after one day of keeping it on I did feel and sleep better. I even feel my posture is better and my balance has improved. If it is all in my mind that's ok, because it has motivated me and I have always been a motivator to others. Another words I love it!
There is something to these bracelets because I have had a chronic cough for 10 months and after 3 days of wearing this bracelet.I have noticed a significant reduction in my cough..so I have to believe it does something to get your body back in harmony.
I have been wearing the bracelet for 3 days now and notice a 3rd eye growing in my forehead. Is that normal? I have always wanted another eye.
Comment #7.1 by: Elena Gorgan on 21 Apr 2011, 07:37 GMT
Al, do not panic! If you always wanted a third eye, you should be happy you're getting it. Plus, think of the money you're going to make... If something else grows on your body in the following days, though, you may want to consider seeing a doctor about it. :)
Do let us know how you're doing.
Comment #7.2 by: cherry on 08 Jul 2011, 01:47 GMT
thats normal
Comment #7.3 by: TARDYBUNNY on 11 Jul 2011, 13:59 GMT
HAHAHAHA
Comment #7.4 by: jane on 02 Aug 2011, 13:00 GMT
:))) That is what I was looking for.
Comment #7.5 by: tyler on 23 Jan 2012, 04:36 GMT
lol omg
Comment #7.6 by: Energized on 04 Feb 2012, 19:42 GMT
That was so funny, but I love my bracelet...it works for me.
I have been doing YOGA for 10 years with only marginal increase in my genetically predetermined FLEXIBILITY--I put the bracelet on--and I have about 6 inches in twisting and a couple inches in hip flexion--so guess what--I am keeping it and it DOES WORK!!!
Comment #9.1 by: Kevin on 22 Jul 2011, 23:10 GMT
So, you're saying that this bracelet altered your genetics?
Before I start using Power Balance I always had a hard time sleeping, I will wake up 2:00 in the morning and have to get up to go to work but noon time I felt so sleepy & by the time I reach home I'm so drained out, Since using Power Balance I noticed the changes til now waking up in the morning I really felt the change too, but what I did one day I removed my Power Balance & I really noticed the difference had to put it back. Other question I would like a reply if a person is a diabetic will this person be able to wear power balance too.
I had terrible cramps in my legs and arches at night and had to get out of bed several times per night to relieve the cramping. Additionally, upon rising I would stumble, holding onto furniture to stabalize until I could get my bearings.
I started with the IRenw product, it eliminated both problems, then because the Power Balance band had a continous band, I switched to Power Balance with the same result.
I have taken them off and forgot to put them back on for a couple days and the cramping and unsteadiness returns. So my experience is that they both work for me. And I have recomended them to everyone I know.
Perhaps it is a matter of a persons individual physiology! It works for me!
Comment #13.1 by: David on 11 Jan 2012, 19:41 GMT
Honestly, I think it really IS based on the individual. I, an already rather healthy and physically fit person, may not notice more "athleticism"and "flexibility." but I did notice much calmer personality, even being aware of the "placebo effect." In order for the placebo effect to work, (having doubt means that it won't work, for any of you who don't understand the placebo effect) you have to fully believe in it. I had better flexibility and calmer moods when wearing it, and this is just a trial because I was skeptical. I just bought one for myself, and am looking forward to seeing the results.
I bought the power balance and put it on not knowing what to expect other than maybe better balance. I broke my ankle in 05 and have what is like bad circulation in both feet when I lay down or sit down. Never dreamed the band would have any affect on this problem. My feet I would say are 98% better.Now tell me how not expecting something can happen as a placebo effect. bmc /TX 08-27-11
I have been using the powerband to help me with my chemical inbalance. My concerns is that the halogram wears out quickly. A review that I read stated it could last for three years. This hasn't happened to me. Please explain why it wears out in three week. Thank You
Comment #16 by: Mohdzairy on 11 Sep 2011, 20:52 UTC
I bought two one for me and one for my wife then we put it on.. About 4 to 5 hours we had a tremendous pain in the head so we know it was the bracelet we took it off the next no more pain but if we put it on again we will get a headache... It works but too strong i guess.. Anyone has the same problem email me at mrmrsgalvez@yahoo.com
Comment #18 by: Johnathan Chae on 25 Sep 2011, 18:48 UTC
Well, I feel that I've learned a valuable lesson. Time and time again, my subconscious mind leads me to place my trust in human competence. It seems that not only was I wrong, but I myself have proven to be incompetent by trusting. I was fooled and made a brief and poorly thought out decision to purchase the bracelet because I was sure that the American government would not fail me in weeding out the pathetic scammers who, after today, I learn are actually not so pathetic after all; instead, it seems people in general, myself included, are pathetic. Farewell 26.14 usd. Although you weren't important to me, you still did hold value.
im not sure how or what it does, a mate in usa got me 1 and i recon it looks cool so was wearing it. Have taken it off twice and i get headaches without it. hymmmmm if its mind over matter its * good
Comment #21 by: ghostfce on 01 Nov 2011, 20:55 UTC
this bracelet is actualy not a scam... ive been wearing it for 2 weeks and i have never had good nights of sleep like that in my life, also it helps me reduce the number of cigarettes i smoke in a day and also made me able to stop smoking weed.... if you dont believe me its your loss, this bracelet helps u stop drinking and stoping dope.. try it to believe it
Comment #21.1 by: ARivera on 28 Nov 2011, 15:45 GMT
Hmmm. I would really like to hear more about how it helped to stop your "normal daily habits". I could use help withh that myself.
You clearly are wearing the wrong bracelet.
The science is behind fusion power Bandz.
Check it out.
I'm curious though, if you don't believe in it, why Is another company advertising at the top of your page.
You must be making something!
Comment #23 by: Ballardgirl on 14 Jan 2012, 16:10 UTC
A friend at work gave this bracelet to me 5 days ago...say what you want, it works for me. I work, take care of my 2-yr old granddaughter plus my other daughter just had a baby this week that I am helping with....energy level is great...for a 50 yr-old menopausal grandmother!
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