The Zibrio balance scale is far from a conventional bathroom scale that you may be used to. When you think of a balance scale, you might picture the traditional scales with two plates hanging on each side. I can assure you, that is not the device I will be discussing today. This scale is an innovative piece of health technology designed to help improve balance and prevent falls. Keep reading to learn about its features, functionalities, and the benefits that it can bring to you and your loved ones.
Unboxing the Zibrio balance scale
In the box you’ll find:
- The Zibrio Balance scale (batteries included)
- A user manual
- A quick start guide to help you get the scale set up and ready to use right out of the box.
What is a balance scale?
Before using this product, I never knew that this type of technology was out there. Although there are not many devices like the Zibrio scale on the market, I still want to talk about what exactly this device is and why it could be game changer. It looks exactly like the bathroom scale you might already be used to, but it does more than just measure your weight. This scale measures and scores your balance from a standing position and how much control you have over your body movements.
Why is it important to know your balance?
This matters because based on your balance score, you can get an idea of how likely you are to experience a fall. To some, this may not be significant, but for individuals such as older adults, this is more than just a health metric. Falls are the leading cause of hospital visits for older adults. As we age, we can experience changes in our bodies such as balance and coordination, decrease in our muscle strength, changes in our vision and even bone density; just to name a few. To prevent falls from happening there are many preventative measures someone could take. One of these is keeping track and improving balance.
How does a balance scale work?
The Zibrio balance scale uses a kind of technology called Briocore. This technology is an algorithm that can measure certain characteristics that affect balance. Standing still in one place sounds pretty easy. However, when we stand still our bodies are actually adjusting to try to balance. A technology in a balance scale like the Zibrio is sensitive to these movements. This is where the balance score comes from. There are 4 sensors located in the corner of the scale that gather data about your stability during a 60-second balance test.
Using the Zibrio balance scale
Using the Zibrio balance scale is quite straightforward. First, it is important to know that the maximum weight that the scale can hold is 350 pounds. When you first take it out of the box you will have to remove the tag on the back of it where the batteries are. The scale already comes with 6 AA batteries inside. Once you do that the scale will be ready to use and all you have to do is stand on it to activate. When you stand on the scale, it will first give you your weight.
Getting your balance score
If you stay on the scale, it will then activate a 60-second timer by counting down from 3 on the scale’s screen. During the 60-second balance test it is important that you stand still, look straight ahead, and refrain from talking. After 60-seconds you will see a number between 1 and 10 appear on the scale. This is your balance score. Then, you can look at the start guide sheet that came in the box to see what your fall risk is.
One great thing that I like about the scale is that you don’t need an app to use it. But if you do want some additional support or to have your score saved on your smartphone you can. All you need to do is download the Zibrio Coach app and then connect the scale to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Once the app is downloaded, you can set up an account. You will be asked some personal questions such as how much you exercise, your mood, how well you slept, and what kinds of exercises you take part in. These are all factors that can affect your balance, which is why the app asks these things.
Main features of the Zibrio Coach app
Better balance training: This feature is where you will find different programs that will help improve your balance. You can watch videos, view your training streaks, along with any medals that you earn from completing the trainings.
My balance plan: The My balance plan feature shows your most recent balance score along with the answers that you provided during the app set up process. By being able to view these, you are able to see what may be contributing to your current balance score such as sleep or mood.
History: This feature shows a graph of your different balance scores and weight for the month, so you are able to keep track and notice any patterns.
My experience with the Zibrio balance scale
Using the Zibrio balance scale was an extremely effortless experience. With minimal setup requirements I was able to take it right out of the box and get started within minutes which is something that I definitely value in a piece of technology.
As for the scale itself, I was quite surprised with the size and weight of it. It is larger than your average bathroom scale and for some it could be quite heavy. This is important to keep in mind if you are thinking of purchasing one for an older loved one. While using the scale it was very interesting to see varying results based on my previous night’s sleep and stress levels. I found that my balance was a lot better when I had a good sleep and was feeling calm—something I never would have thought about before using this scale.
The Zibrio balance scale is available online at Best Buy!
