Therapeutic effects of magnetic and copper bracelets in osteoarthritis: a randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial

Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Stewart J RichmondAndrew J Taylor

Abstract

To test the effectiveness of a typical magnetic wrist strap for reducing pain and stiffness, and for improving physical functioning amongst patients with osteoarthritis. A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial. Each participant wore four devices over a 16-week period. Forty five patients with osteoarthritis were recruited from general practices in rural and urban areas of Yorkshire. Experimental device: a commercially available magnetic wrist strap. Control devices: a weak magnetic wrist strap, a demagnetised wrist strap, and a copper bracelet. The WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, the McGill Pain Questionnaire-Pain Rating Index (PRI), a pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and medication use. No difference was observed between devices in terms of their effects on pain as measured by the primary outcome measure (WOMAC A), the PRI and the VAS. Similar results were obtained for stiffness (WOMAC B), physical function (WOMAC C), and medication use. Further analyses of the PRI subscales revealed a statistically significant difference between devices (P=0.025), which favoured the experimental device. Participants reported lower sensory pain after wearing the standard magnetic wrist strap, than when wearing control devices...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

Aug 28, 2012·Rheumatology·Gary J MacfarlaneUNKNOWN Arthritis Research UK working group on Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Management of Rheumatic Diseases
Nov 12, 2013·Primary Care·Michael A Malone, Kathryn Gloyer
Nov 18, 2015·Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·Seth S Leopold
Feb 18, 2011·Osteoarthritis and Cartilage·G A HawkerI Stanaitis
Mar 13, 2014·BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine·Fang-Pey ChenFun-Jou Chen

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