Great to see ESPN expose this scam for what it is.

University of Wisconsin La Crosse did an actual scientific study to examine this "miracle" bracelet. And it came up short.

They did a double blind study. Neither the athlete nor scientific researcher working with the athlete knew which band the person was wearing; it was covered up with a little partial sleeve and another thirty cent bracelet was used as the placebo.

Analysis of the data showed that there was no effect whatsoever between the placebo bracelet and power balance bracelet. They did find however that whichever bracelet was worn second, had a scientifically significant effect on the persons "balance and strength" but that is just because of the well known "order effect". Once the person was warmed up and knew what was coming, they did better... just like what is always depicted in the power balance commercials.

Hard to believe people will pay $30 for a piece of rubber that they actually believe would help them instantly become more flexible and stronger.

People are suckers...

Here's an article from a local paper:

http://www.twincities.com/ci_16365333?source=most_viewed&nclick_check=1

But if the placebo effect works does that not mean the bracelet works?

Mohican00;539416 wrote:But if the placebo effect works does that not mean the bracelet works?

A placebo working means that the bracelet has no actual benefit. The only benefit is one people think they are gaining but not actually receiving. And here it is shown that the placebo and the bracelet have the same effect manifested in the "order effect." That the only actual scientifically significant effect comes when the person takes the test the second time. But because of the "order" the person is either warmed up or expecting what is to come or a combination of both so their test results are better.

Basically it says that paying $30 for a miracle bracelet is a bunch of crap.

Athletes tend to be dumb when it comes to this kind of thing (believing that something relatively cheap and simple) can give them an actual significant advantage... it's called being gullible. Actually, all of humanity does it. There is no quick fix or secret to get you ahead and life. Anything meaningful will take some work (unless you're lucky and gain an unexpected windfall).

But if paying $30 makes you perform better, then isn't it worth it? I realize that the attributes are all in your head and that this is nothing more than a marketing ploy, but if the bracelet improves an athlete's abilities is it not beneficial?

Mohican00;539431 wrote:But if paying $30 makes you perform better, then isn't it worth it? I realize that the attributes are all in your head and that this is nothing more than a marketing ploy, but if the bracelet improves an athlete's abilities is it not beneficial?

It DOESN'T make you perform better... that's what you're missing. People only think it helps. But the only actual benefit came from the order effect... people only performed better when they did the same task the second time.

Fly4Fun;539434 wrote:people only performed better when they did the same task the second time.

this.

Wait, these things don't work? Let me show you my surprised face...

[video=youtube;HqVBKO_QM3o][/video]

Fly4Fun;539393 wrote: They did find however that whichever bracelet was worn second, had a scientifically significant effect on the persons "balance and strength"

I assumed this when I saw the commercial. Once you do it a second time you know how to compensate from the first failed task regardless of whether there is nothing, a bracelet, a rabid gopher, or whatever else hanging from your wrist.