Magnetic and copper bracelets don’t relieve the pain of arthritis, says a new study. Researchers from the University of York conducted the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial of using copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps to control osteoarthritis pain.
Copper bracelets and magnets are used worldwide and previous studies have indicated they help manage pain, reduce stiffness and improve physical function. But the British researchers say any benefits can be credited to the placebo effect.
“It appears that any perceived benefit obtained from wearing a magnetic or copper bracelet can be attributed to psychological placebo effects,” said researcher Stewart Richmond. “People tend to buy them when they are in a lot of pain, then when the pain eases off over time they attribute this to the device. However, our findings suggest that such devices have no real advantage over placebo wrist straps that are not magnetic and do not contain copper.”
Participants in the study were all diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Each of the 45 volunteers—all over the age of 50—wore four devices in random order over a 16-week period. Two devices were wrist straps with different levels of magnetism, a third device was a demagnetized wrist strap and the fourth was a copper bracelet. The study showed no significant difference in pain levels, stiffness or physical function.
“Although their use is generally harmless, people with osteoarthritis should be especially cautious about spending large sums of money on magnetic therapy,” Richmond said. “Magnets removed from disused speakers are much cheaper, but you would first have to believe that they could work.”
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