At first glance, it may seem more like a children's toy than a training accessory. However, the Powerball provides important benefits for both physiotherapy and muscle strengthening.
More and more health professionals are investigating the possible uses and benefits of Powerball. Next, we will discover its main functions and benefits.
What is it?
The Powerball, also called synergetic, contains spheres that are made of polycarbonate and have a gyroscope inside. It is a symmetrical body that rotates on its own axis, in the opposite direction to which we rotate the ball. As the speed of the Powerball we create increases, the gyroscope will reach a higher number of revolutions. Consequently, the resistance generated will be greater and we will need more force to turn it.
There are different models, which vary in their weight and design. Some reach a weight of up to 10 kilos, while others weigh 20 or 25 kilos. All Powerballs are the same size as a tennis ball. Regarding the design, we can buy basic or advanced versions. The advanced versions indicate the number of revolutions per minute, with LED numbers. Its price varies between approximately 20 and 60 euros.
PREMIUM QUALITY
There are several types of Powerball, so it is convenient to know them to choose the most suitable for our needs.
It matches
Pull start Powerballs use a cord to initiate gyroscopic motion within the ball. They are easier to use than other models, and we will not need to use a lot of force to make the ball spin. It is recommended if we want to exercise the wrist, since it will not force the wrist muscles when we start it up.
To use a Powerball with a rope, it is advisable to follow these steps:
- We will hold the Powerball with the exposed rotor facing us. We will grab the Powerball with the non-dominant hand with the rotor facing up. Inside the rotor, there is a gyroscope that spins perpetually as we rotate our wrist after launching the ball.
- Move the rotor until we find the small opening for the cable. The rotor is on a track and can only move in 2 directions: forward and backward. We will move the rotor in any direction until we find a small hole in the center of the rotor. This is where we insert the string to wind the Powerball.
- We'll insert the wire into the hole and hold it in place with our thumb. We will take the cable and carefully slide it into the opening in the rotor. Once we've pushed the bead 2,5 to 5,1 inches into the hole, we'll place our thumb over the opening to hold it in place. There is no locking mechanism for the cable, so we have to hold it in place with our thumb to prevent it from slipping out of the hole.
- Turn the rotor away from us to roll the ball. With the thumb holding the cable in the hole, we will slide the rotor out with our free hand until the cable slides under the case. Then we'll use one hand to continue turning the rotor away from you while holding the cable firmly with the other hand.
- We'll stop winding the ball once you have 7,6 to 10,2 inches of string left. As we wind the ball, the cord will sit on itself along the grooved track. We will stop winding the rotor once we have 7,6 to 10,2 inches left. Then, we will grab the rope with the non-dominant hand and we will hold the ball with the other hand.
- We will quickly pull the cable out to start spinning the ball. We will rotate the ball so that the rotor is facing down. Then we'll rip the string off the ball with our non-dominant hand until we've completely removed it from the ball. The harder we shoot, the faster the ball will spin.
Most Powerballs have LED lights that let us know when the gyroscope is moving. If the gyroscope is working, the lights stay on. Once you slow down or stop, the LED lights turn off.
Wireless
The wireless Powerball is suitable if we want to control the speed. Wireless Powerballs must be turned by hand to start them. They require more effort to get started, but many people enjoy manually starting the ball and trying to get it to spin as fast as they can.
- We will rotate the Powerball with the non-dominant hand so that the rotor is facing up. We will catch the ball in the non-dominant hand. We will spin the ball until the rotor, the exposed section of the ball inside the cage, is facing up. We will try to move the rotor with our finger to find the direction in which it travels. The Powerball's rotor only moves back and forth, so we need to play with it a bit to find the direction of the track.
- We will use our fingers to spin the rotor by brushing it quickly. We will raise the dominant hand and we will take out the fingers flat as if we were going to perform a karate blow. Then we'll quickly run our fingers across the top of the rotor as if we were cleaning the surface of the rotor. We will do it as quickly as possible to start turning the rotor.
- We will spin the ball in the hand with the rotor facing up to start it. With the rotor spinning, we'll use our non-dominant hand to move the ball in a circular motion. We will keep the rotor up and a constant speed. Once we find the correct cadence, the gyroscope inside the rotor will start spinning. When the ball starts to rumble or move, the gyroscope spins and you can stop spinning the ball in your hand.
Automatic
We will buy an automatic Powerball if we are using it for physical therapy. Autostart Powerballs are the easiest version to get started with. These balls don't require any physical tugging or twisting to spin, making them ideal if you're treating carpal tunnel syndrome or strengthening your wrist after a sprain.
If we are trying to keep track of rehab progress, it is recommended that you have a digital display. These balls can be set to work for a predetermined period of time, making it easy to control therapy sessions.
- We will find the arrow imprinted on the exposed rotor of the ball. We will turn the Powerball in the hand until we find the exposed section of the inner ball, called the rotor. We will turn the rotor in the direction in which it moves freely until we find the arrow that is printed on the ball. The rotor is on a track and can only move in 2 directions. The arrow indicates in which direction the ball spins.
- We will pull the ball back in the opposite direction of the arrow to wind it up. Once we find the arrow, we will grab it with both hands. We'll use our thumbs to pull the exposed section in the opposite direction. Once we feel some resistance, the ball will start to roll. The more we roll the ball, the faster it will spin.
- We will release the exposed section of the ball to start it. Once we have rolled the ball, we will release both thumbs. The rotor will start spinning in the opposite direction, which will spin the gyroscope in the middle of the ball. Once the gyroscope is turned on, we will feel the ball rumble and move in the hand.
Services
This rotating ball has numerous advantages in strengthening the wrist.
Physiotherapy Rehabilitation
Kinesiologists are increasingly using Powerballs. Its main function in this context is to rehabilitate muscles and joints of the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow and shoulder. It is also very effective in helping to recover neuromuscular efficiency in these areas. That is combining the different connections of the brain, with the different muscles to produce the necessary movements, strength and stability.
Those people who have never had problems with their wrists, arms, elbows or shoulders can use these spheres to train strength, resistance and stability. In all cases, controlled use is recommended. It should not cause pain or extreme fatigue. In fact, many musicians, mainly guitarists and drummers, use them to strengthen their hands. The same is true of many athletes, artists, and people who work with computers; for the wear of the dolls.
Additionally and as we mentioned above, Powerballs are frequently implemented in kinesiology. The most common injuries that are rehabilitated with this tool are:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lesions in any of the areas already mentioned
- Chronic pathologies or overuse
- Sprains, dislocations or fractures
- Tennis Elbow
Doesn't generate much vibration
These balls can reach a vibration of just 250 kHz, so they do not negatively affect bones and joints. Although, with a higher vibration, instead of producing benefits, it could lead to a stress injury. However, it is important to be careful when stopping the movement of the sphere. The internal structure spins so fast that the user can burn themselves trying to stop it with their hand.
Also, it is not recommended to leave it on a surface if it is still moving. The energy it generates will move you and you could fall, and even damage nearby objects.
Increases strength
It is a very effective accessory since it allows us to work our muscular strength in a matter of minutes. With two or three series of short daily exercises with the Powerball, we will exercise our hands, wrists and arms.
These spheres generate forces of different intensity and in random directions. In response to this, the body must activate the muscles that allow it to control and continue the desired movement.