Power Bands and Bracelets: Do they work?

What is a power bracelet?
Power bracelets are simply a bracelet containing either a magnet or composed of materials such as copper or titanium. Power bands contain Mayer holograms that supposedly resonate with your body’s natural frequency. Power bracelet/band usage has recently been on the rise due to their claim to “regulate the body's natural electric currents through cell ionization, thereby promoting muscle relaxation and providing relief from pain, stress and fatigue and improving blood circulation”. Quite a bold claim in light of the very vague description we are given in how it works.

Cell ionisation, what does this mean?
Cell ionisation can refer to a couple of definitions. One refers to the splitting apart of the molecular structure of the cell. This in itself is dangerous as cells undergoing ionisation can potentially be permanently damaged. The other is the effect on the regulation and exchange of ions (K+, Na+, Cl-) between the cell membrane and extracellular fluid. If magnetic bands are meant to improve performance the first definition is very unlikely. As for the second definition, there is little to no research that explains a relation between a power bracelet and its affect on these systems.

Is there any research supporting power bracelets?
Other then testimonials from sports stars in various disciplines, which are simply subjective, there is not much to go by in terms of research. Opinions are generally of the consensus that the bands create a placebo effect. The closest associated research is related to magnetic therapy and arthritis and even then results suggest that improvements were nothing more than a placebo effect. Since power bracelets/Bands are a reasonably new “technology” more research certainly needs to be done. In particular randomised trials should be of particular use in identifying a definite placebo effect. Specific research should also be done on the cellular reactions to various bands to see if there is indeed an improvement in ion regulation within cells. This will be more useful rather than having a claim that it “optimises the body’s natural energy flow”.

So is it worth wearing one?
At this point in time power bracelets/bands are a bit in the dark but the general opinion at this point is they do nothing more than promote a placebo effect. However in saying that the placebo effect is still a positive one and any improvement in performance is good. In my opinion I would take it as a grain of salt at this point until better research is done. The bands do no harm so there is no issues in wearing one the only question is are you willing to spend $60+.