Bracelets that claim to improve power, balance, flexibility, and/or strength are popular and you see them everywhere. Manufacturers often use a sales tactic where they try to push an individual causing them to lose their balance. They then give them a bracelet with special properties and the individual is much more stable when pushed. The improved stability must be due to the bracelet... or is it?

A recent study¹ performed at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse published in Journal of Sports Science and Medicine studied the Power Balance® bracelet. This bracelet claims to “respond to the natural energy field of the body” to help one perform better. Researchers conducted a study where 42 NCAA athletes were tested under two conditions – with a placebo bracelet and with the Power Balance® bracelet. Two sets of tests were performed for trunk flexibility, balance, strength, and lower body power (vertical jump). The tests were performed in the same order each time. However, half of the athletes were randomly assigned to perform the first set of tests with a placebo bracelet and half with the Power Balance® bracelet. Then they were given the other bracelet for a second trial. Neither researchers nor subjects knew which bracelet was the placebo or Power Balance® bracelet. Subjects were not allowed to warm-up since performance generally improves following a warm-up and this could impact results.

When researchers compared the two trials they found no significant difference between tests performed with the placebo vs. the Power Balance® bracelets. However, when researchers compared the results of the first set of tests to the second set, scores improved significantly from the first to the second trial regardless of the bracelet worn. This suggests that performance improved on the second trial because subjects were either more warmed up or more familiar with the tests. 

These results support the tactics used by manufacturers to sell the bracelet. When they approach a potential client, the first balance test is always performed without the bracelet. The client does not yet know how he will be tested. Then the client is given the bracelet to wear and the balance test is repeated. The second time, they are better able to maintain their balance because they know what to expect and how to respond. 

Researchers noted in the article that this study did not investigate the effect of wearing the Power Balance® bracelet for a longer time; however, it does explain the marketing tactics used to sell these bracelets. Power Balance® is now involved in a class action suit alleging they mislead the public and used false advertising to market their products. So save your money for an experienced trainer who can teach you exercises which have been shown to improve balance, power, strength and flexibility!   As always, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! 

Bottom line: Scam - Run from the so-called "Power Bracelets".

¹Pocari, J., Hazuga, R. and Foster, C. et al. 2011. Can the Power Balance® bracelet improve balance, flexibility, strength, and power? [Letter to the editor].  Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.  10, p. 230-231. Retrieved on April 14, 2011: http://www.jssm.org/vol10/n1/31/v10n1-31text.php.