In one trial the subjects wore a Power Balance bracelet, while in the other trial a "placebo" bracelet was worn. Bracelet assignment was randomized and double-blind to ensure that neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was wearing which bracelet, when.
Researchers found no significant difference between the placebo bracelet and the power balance bracelet on any of the tests. The only finding was that all participants did better on the second trial for each of the tests, regardless of which bracelet they were wearing. The bottom line? Researchers call the Power Balance bracelet and other performance jewelry a "complete scam.
In fact, the Australian manufacturer of Power Balance bands was recently required by the Australian government to release a statement confirming the fact that their claims are not based on any scientific evidence. Generally, if a thing sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you've already bought a bracelet, don't feel too bad—you're in good company. Power Balance alone sold approximately three million units last year.
Just wear it for fun and chock it up as a learning experience. Sign up for a race online. Laura Williams writes about exercise and fitness for Exercise. Porcari J, et al. All the hype begs the question: Do these trinkets actually make a difference?
Are you immediately going to transform from James Corden to Michael Jordan with the assistance of a 3D hologram? Jewelry that claims to manipulate frequencies or electrical impulses within the body has been around since the 70s.
Studies have debunked many claims by the manufacturers of older products, and evidence points to Power Balance bands working no better than a placebo.
Sorry, guys. Sells PD, et al. Effect of a negative ion holographic bracelet on maximal aerobic performance. Still, basic performance accessories continue to sell, as is obvious with the sheer number of items crowding the marketplace. Before you stick on your cynical hat, however, these bracelets may not be a shiny pile of faux-spiritual dinkum after all.
Negative ion bracelet—Good for health? So, you ran out to buy a Power Balance bracelet, and it turned out not to be the Green Lantern power ring you were expecting. Never fear! In one study of the early bracelets, researchers concluded that while the bands worked no better than the placebo, some wearers still might benefit from them because they simply have more self-belief while wearing it.
Lindheimer, JB, et al. Quantifying the placebo effect in psychological outcomes of exercise training: A meta-analysis of randomized trials. DOI: Other researchers suspect that the same may be true of more contemporary performance jewelry.
While the technology behind the Power Balance and its kin might not work, they can create a placebo effect that puts you in the right headspace to outperform yourself. Ross, D. Richmond SJ, et al. Copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps for rheumatoid arthritis — Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects: A randomised double-blind placebo controlled crossover trial.
So placebos can offer benefits with absolutely no risk. Kaptchuk TJ, et al. Placebos without deception: a randomized controlled trial in irritable bowel syndrome. Not even close. With new technologies and an understandable long-standing skepticism about whether a bracelet can turn you into a winner, Power Balance and its peers seem to be getting less attention. Focus is shifting from energy-wear to smart gear. The power of believing So is the power of the band actually in the athletes' heads?
If you feel more confident wearing the product, that's a good thing. We understand there are skeptics, but we encourage people to try the product, and if it works, great.
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