The Therabody PowerDot 2.0 Duo Actually Works, When It Works

Testing health gear for WIRED means I work out six days every week, generally twice every day. So once I bought my arms on the PowerDot 2.0 Duo, I used to be excited to see whether or not it might ease my post-workout soreness. At-home gadgets like this goal to commercialize medical expertise that was as soon as reserved for elite athletes. PowerDot was acquired by Therabody in 2021 and is likely one of the main devices on this house, billing itself as “the world’s first smart muscle stimulator.”

The PowerDot 2.0 combines two noninvasive therapies: neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Managed by a companion app, it is an intriguing restoration device with simple potential but in addition notable flaws.

A 2-for-1 Deal

The PowerDot 2.0 makes use of three adhesive electrodes to ship electrical pulses to your pores and skin. NMES stimulates motor nerves, mimicking mind alerts to set off muscle contractions. This course of can increase blood circulation, assist ship vitamins to points, and assist restoration from muscle fatigue or accidents.

TENS targets the sensory nerves to quickly block ache alerts and stimulate endorphin manufacturing (the physique’s pure painkiller). It is notably efficient for circumstances like decrease again ache, postoperative discomfort, and dysmenorrhea. Research really counsel TENS can provide larger reduction for menstrual ache than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (like ibuprofen). Collectively, these applied sciences intend to deal with each muscle restoration and ache reduction.

Whereas NMES has proven potential in decreasing blood lactate ranges, an indicator of muscle fatigue, its influence is extra supportive than transformative. Additionally, to reap the advantages, the stimulation should be intense sufficient to activate muscle mass with out including to the fatigue.

It’s price noting that the effectiveness of each applied sciences can range relying on elements like physique composition and particular person thresholds to electrical stimulation. One other disclaimer is that Therabody hasn’t revealed any medical information or research particular to PowerDot, as an alternative referencing normal analysis on NMES and TENS. This lack of expertise makes it laborious to validate the corporate’s claims in regards to the system’s supposed function.

The Duo bundle consists of: two pods, three adhesive electrode pads (one rectangular and two spherical), two units of lead cables (10 cm and 30 cm), two micro USB charging cables, and a protecting case. It’s moveable—smaller than a novel—and simple to journey with. The hydrogel pads final for 20 to 30 classes earlier than dropping their stickiness, at which level they have to be changed ($18 per Duo set). The app tracks pad lifespan so that you don’t should, and with care, you may eke out a couple of further classes. Simply knock on wooden you don’t drop one face-down.

Reduction, With Caveats

In observe, the PowerDot delivered blended outcomes. When it labored, it did make me really feel much less stiff for my subsequent exercise. The interval ache reduction program was my favourite function, however the ache reduction was short-lived, restricted to the session’s period. The tingling sensation can really feel uncomfortable, particularly at first, but it surely’s tolerable and you may regulate it to your consolation.

The second pod is a serious benefit, letting you goal either side of a muscle group concurrently. This cuts session instances in half and reduces put on on the pads. Should you personal the Uno, you’ll be able to improve by buying a second pod.

PowerDot is absolutely managed by its companion app, which lets you select particular muscle teams or restoration applications, regulate depth ranges, and monitor classes. The app itself makes the expertise really feel approachable, together with for these new to electrical stimulation gadgets. You’ll have to obtain the separate PowerDot app, because the system doesn’t sync with the Therabody app—not an enormous deal, however price mentioning.