Rapid Responses to:
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Rapid Responses: Rapid Responses published:
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Was the study really good enough?
- Edoardo Cervoni (17 December 2004)
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Why not test the ultimate magnet?
- Christopher I Pelton (17 December 2004)
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Randomised controlled trial of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee
- Helene C Faure (17 December 2004)
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WHY NOT TRY MAGNETS ON ANIMALS
- Victor. C. Green (17 December 2004)
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Re: Was the study really good enough?
- Curtis Bennett (17 December 2004)
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Better studies on magnets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the knee must include objective laboratory tests of synovial inflammatory markers
- David Gurwitz (17 December 2004)
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Which bracelet?
- Bernard Badley (18 December 2004)
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Re: Was the study really good enough? Clearly not!
- David Jameson (19 December 2004)
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Conclusions of this study are overoptimistic
- Miquel A Belmonte (19 December 2004)
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Re: Better studies on magnets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the knee must include objective laboratory tests of synovial inflammatory markers
- Christine Harrison (20 December 2004)
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Blinding optimism attracts magnet researchers to wrong conclusion
- Peter H Canter (20 December 2004)
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Re: Which bracelet?
- Christine Harrison (20 December 2004)
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Re: WHY NOT TRY MAGNETS ON ANIMALS
- C Gill (21 December 2004)
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Re: Why not test the ultimate magnet?
- C. R. Gill (21 December 2004)
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Re: Which bracelet?
- Victor C. Green (21 December 2004)
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Re: WHY NOT TRY MAGNETS ON ANIMALS
- Sarah M D Fishwick (21 December 2004)
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Re: Which bracelet?
- Ray Padfield -Krala (21 December 2004)
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Tiny bracelets
- Hugh de Glanville (22 December 2004)
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(Carpal) Tunnel Vision!
- Valerie M Daykin (22 December 2004)
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Magnets and severity of OA--Is there a corelation?
- ABHIJIT M. BHOSALE (22 December 2004)
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The study draws the right conclusions- authors reply
- Tim N Harlow, Colin Greaves (22 December 2004)
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Forget scepticism - give it a try!!
- Kathleen B. Robinson (22 December 2004)
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Re: Re: Which bracelet?
- Kay A Gill (22 December 2004)
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Misleading article
- N A Shah, M N Shah (27 December 2004)
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Magnets: Significant results, or placebo power?
- Ano L. Lobb (29 December 2004)
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Re: Re: Was the study really good enough? Clearly not!
- Daniel E Moerman (29 December 2004)
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Re: Misleading article
- Tim N Harlow (29 December 2004)
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Which bracelet? The one with CRP (Central-Reverse-Polarity) a money refund guarantee and a first class after sales service.
- David W Haslam (30 December 2004)
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Re: Magnets: Significant results, or placebo power?
- Tony Floyd (30 December 2004)
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Re: Misleading article
- Curtis Bennett (30 December 2004)
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Unethical to ignore
- Jim York (30 December 2004)
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Re: Re: Which bracelet?
- Ray Padfield-Krala (31 December 2004)
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Re: WHY NOT TRY MAGNETS ON ANIMALS
- William N. Elwood (2 January 2005)
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More Open Minded Attitude Required
- Bill Lawson (3 January 2005)
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Many forms of bias
- Everett L Williams (4 January 2005)
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Re: Re: Was the study really good enough? Clearly not!
- c gill (6 January 2005)
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Re: Many forms of bias
- Chris Gill (8 January 2005)
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Re: Misleading article
- Christine Harrison (8 January 2005)
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Absence of radiological report
- Christopher J F Potter (10 January 2005)
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Placebo? It could be a two-edged sword.
- Chris B Thayer (11 January 2005)
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Re: Misleading article
- Richard L Peacocke (12 January 2005)
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Very interesting study
- Matthew L Grove (12 January 2005)
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Clinical Trial????
- Loretta Mutton (19 January 2005)
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Magna Mallarca
- Dr. Herbert H. Nehrlich (20 January 2005)
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Re: Magna Mallarca
- chris gill (21 January 2005)
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Re: Re: Magna Mallarca
- Dr. Herbert H. Nehrlich (23 January 2005)
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A typical cross section of views!
- Chris Sergeant (28 January 2005)
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The effects of magnetic bracelets for relieving osteoarthritic pain and its relevance
- Sita M Bierma-Zeinstra (3 February 2005)
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Not a placebo!
- Kevin Mathis (12 June 2005)
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Mechanisms of Magnetic Bracelets
- Kenneth J. Dillon (4 July 2005)
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Re: Which bracelet?
- Eric D Knapp (22 October 2007)
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Stimulating conversation is priceless
- Kim I. DiJulio (12 January 2009)
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Other responses of interest
- Michael Dowling (27 August 2009)
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Edoardo Cervoni, GPwSI (ENT) West Lancashire PCT NHS, L39 2BY
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Sir, I am surprised by the decision of the BMJ Editorial Board to publish this article. Still appreciating the efforts of the Authors to elucidate the role, if any, of magnetism in the management of OA pain, I strongly feel that this study does not add anything to our current knowledge on the matter. Unfortunately, it may be misleading instead. First of all, static magnets are widely used for the relief of pain and evidence about their efficacy in osteoarthritis has been contradictory. I would have expected a more substantial pool of patients to be allocated in each of the 3 groups studied...And, also then, I would have more clearly acknowledged that placebo effects are actually impossible to control because of the easy detection of magnetism. Speaking about placebo effect and magnetism in a field where magnets have been anectodically used for centuries,while considering the baseline characteristics of participants randomised to standard, weak, and dummy magnetic bracelets, instead of just age, and body characteristics, I would have also considered educational and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, it seems that painkillers were used more frequently in the dummy group before starting the treatment. Finally, there is not mention of the type and modilities of administration of NSAIDs/painkillers in the groups during the 12 weeks with relative statistical figures. Was the study really good enough? Competing interests: None declared |
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Christopher I Pelton, General Practitioner Wellington Medical Practice Telford TF1 1PZ
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If there might be a genuine dose-response effect as the article implies, it would be worth assessing the analgesic effect of the intense field generated in a Magnetic Resonance scanner. Competing interests: None declared |
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Helene C Faure, Editorial Project Manager Current Controlled Trials, 34-42 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4LB, UK
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Dear Sir, I have read with interest the recent article in the BMJ in which the results of the trial entitled "Randomised controlled trial of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee" are presented (http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/329/7480/1450?etoc). As you may be aware, this trial is publicly registered with an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number(ISRCTN): ISRCTN92332799 (1). It is an important part of the unique numbering scheme that trials quote their ISRCTN in all publications arising from the trial. This is to ensure that all papers resulting from a trial can be easily identified. We hope that you and your colleagues will agree to quote your ISRCTN in the title and/or abstract of any future papers arising out of this trial. You may also be interested in the recent article (2) published in the BMJ about making trial registration a condition of publication. Yours sincerely, Helene Faure (1) http://www.controlled- trials.com/isrctn/trial/ISRCTN92332799/0/92332799.html (2) Abbasi K: Compulsory registration of clinical trials. BMJ 2004, 329:637-638 (18 September 2004). [http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/data/329/7466/DC1/1] Competing interests: Employed by Current Controlled Trials, who developed the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) scheme. |
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Victor. C. Green, Director Weydon Mill, Weydon Mill Lane, Farnham, Surrey England GU9 7QL
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We market magnotheraphy products designed for use on people and animlals. It seems that whenever there is any report in the media of the beneficial use of magnets there is almost always an immediate knee-jerk response that the benefit is probably a placebo effect. It is clear from the anecdotal reports we receive, that the vast majority of our(human) customers receive undoubted benefits (in terms of pain relief) from using the products. What is more they invariably also report that the pain will return if they cease wearing the product and leave again when they wear the product once again. It seems inconceivable that this is due to a placebo effect. Even greater confidence in the merits of magnotheraphy can be gained from observing the effect on animals from the application of basically the same products. Animals generally respond in the same way as humans, their pain appears to reduce or disappear altogether after a few days of wearing the products (based on their ease of movement), and will return if the product is removed etc. Whilst this is still anectdotal (based on reports from the owners)and cannot in any way be regarded as a clinical trial, it can perhaps lead to the placebo argument being discounted and a re-focussing of attention on further, deeper studies into the positive benfits obtainable . Competing interests: we market magnotheraphy products for people and animals |
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Curtis Bennett, Engineering Technologist Canada V1X6A5
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I applaud the article and look forward to more studies on magnetic influence on human physiology. There is always room for improvement on any study but it takes initiative and this can serve as a baseline. Hydration levels of subjects could have been mentioned. Dr. Michael Weintraub (New York) did a study on specific magnetics and the effect on patients with diabetic neuropathy with astounding results. Magnetic Fields are all different and design related to application requires specific engineering, not just " a magnet ". My education includes designing magnetic fields as well as the ability to image changes in physiology with any treatment. Magnets designed properly can increase circulation and Dr. Ronald Lawrence wrote about it in his book "Magnetic Therapy, The Pain Cure Alternative". The idea of being able to localize an area and increase circulation with zero side affects has many unrealized applications as your circulatory system feeds and cleanses every cell in your body. Medications treating symptoms are going back into watersheds feeding our food sources and though they may be a good business, they are environmentally horrific. In North America, it was just released that Celebrex increases risk of heart attacks, Vioxx killed 27000 and hurt many more. Congratulations for doing a study that will only be expanded on. Competing interests: design magnetic fields related to electrical applications and image physiological changes with any treatment. |
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David Gurwitz, Director, National Laboratory for the Genetics of Israeli Populations Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, ISRAEL
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This response is concerned with both the fascinating print article and the debate responses posted on the BMJ site soon thereafter. The debate about the usefulness of static magnetic field devices for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the knee is not going to resolve, if we just continue to criticize and argue about the validity of blinding and the extent of placebo effects in trials of static magnets. What we definitely need are larger clinical trials, blinded or not, that would include, in addition to pain self-questionnaires, objective laboratory markers for local knee inflammation, such as synovial fluid levels of inflammatory cytokines and activated macrophages (1). In-vitro studies have repeatedly shown that static magnetic fields are capable of reducing inflammatory responses, such as PHA-mediated mitogenesis, in cultures lymphocytes and macrophages (2-4). There are also some encouraging reports on anti-inflammatory effects from animal studies which included histological estimations of inflammation (5, 6). If the magnetic bracelet field is so lucrative, as evident from the original article and the ensuing hot debate, it is time for the private companies making such devices to contribute towards more scientific trials: such that include laboratory markers of local inflammation in addition to subjective pain assessment. References 1. Sweeney SE, Firestein GS. Rheumatoid arthritis: regulation of synovial inflammation. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2004;36:372-378. 2. Flipo D, Fournier M, Benquet C, Roux P, Le Boulaire C, Pinsky C, LaBella FS, Krzystyniak K. Increased apoptosis, changes in intracellular Ca2+, and functional alterations in lymphocytes and macrophages after in vitro exposure to static magnetic field. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 1998;54:63-76. 3. Jajte J, Grzegorczyk J, Zmyslony M, Rajkowska E. Effect of 7 mT static magnetic field and iron ions on rat lymphocytes: apoptosis, necrosis and free radical processes. Bioelectrochemistry. 2002;57:107-111. 4. Onodera H, Jin Z, Chida S, Suzuki Y, Tago H, Itoyama Y. Effects of 10-T static magnetic field on human peripheral blood immune cells. Radiat Res. 2003;159:775-779 5. Mizushima Y, Akaoka I, Nishida Y. Effects of magnetic field on inflammation. Experientia. 1975;31:1411-1412. 6. Weinberger A, Nyska A, Giler S. Treatment of experimental inflammatory synovitis with continuous magnetic field. Isr J Med Sci. 1996;32:1197-1201. Competing interests: None declared |
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Bernard Badley, Physician Halifax, NS, Canada. B3H1A1
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I read, with considerable interest, the article by Tim Harlow et al (BMJ 2004;329:1450-1454) which reported benefit from using magnetic bracelets in patients with osteoarthrirtis. This study showed that effective magnets had a mean strength of 186 (range 134-197) mTesla and that major differences existed in the type and strength of magnets available. As someone with osteoarthritis who spends several hours each week with a bunch of similarly affected old geezers with creaky joints I am interested in these findings. Unfortunately, as a relic who survived (with difficulty) the change from grains to milligrams and (even later) the switch from milligrams/100 ml to millimoles/ liter, I have no idea what mTesla means. When I look at potential vendors of magnetic bracelets I see values that describe the number of gauss in the bracelets. Now that even Celebrex is likely to be removed from the market, how do I translate one set of values for another? Specifically, how do I advise my fellow sufferers what kind of bracelet to buy? Competing interests: None declared |
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David Jameson, Engineer BT6 8DD
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The authors claim that "around a third of participants in the standard and dummy groups were correct in their beliefs about their bracelet". However, looking at the data it appears that 54% of the standard (strong) magnet group believed they had the real magnet, while 47% of the dummy group correctly guessed (or worked out) that they had the dummy magnet. Overall, a highly significant number of the patients correctly determined which group they were in (54% of the standard magnet group thought they had the magnet, while only 38% of the weak group and 16% of the dummy group thought they had a real magnet). Furthermore, the results show that the main reason why they thought so was because they detected the magnetic force (32% of the standard group, 20% of the weak group and 6% of the dummy group). It therefore seems likely that the "significant" results are due to the placebo effect, caused by the patients noticing the magnetic force. Competing interests: None declared |
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Miquel A Belmonte, Consultant in Rheumatology Hospital General de Castellon, Spain
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It's really surprising to read the conclusions of this study. I've always been sceptic -and still I am- about the effects of low power magnetic fields on arthritis. At face value, I don't see the physiological basis for relieving pain originated at distance of the places where the magnetic brackets are worn. Dr. David Gurwitz gives bibliography reagarding the effects of magnetism on cells submitted directly to very high magnetic fields. Though very interesting, this is not at all the case of this study. Besides of this, the size effect of the intervention is quite low. In the Analysis of Outcomes we see that differences are only (barely) significant between the standard/strong treatment and the dummy/placebo group, but not for any of those versus the weak group. This suggests a trend, confirmed in Table 2, but not a superiority of the standard treatment. Thus, a hidden bias or a statistical type I alpha error cannot be ruled out. I subscribe the caveats expressed by Edoardo Cervoni Finally, the authors show contradictory thinking. In their Discussion, they state "We found evidence of a beneficial effect of magnetic wrist bracelets on the pain of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee." However, two paragraphs later they wrote: "... the result is only a trend and needs confirmation. Therefore, we cannot be certain whether our data show a specific effect of magnets, a placebo effect, or both." If the last is true (and I agree with it) then the first paragraph cannot be stated so strongly. This will lead to misleading conclusions, giving false support to an still unproven therapy. Larger trials are needed, but I really doubt that manufacturers of brackets will ever undertake them, because their lucrative business will be at risk in case of negative conclusions, and they have now customers enough to stay in the market without those studies. In any case, it's always intresting to have more information on his conflictive issues and I encourage BMJ to keep publishing them, but always requesting the strongest scientific methodology to the authors. Competing interests: None declared |
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Christine Harrison, Distributor 7 Grafton Drive, Upton, Wirral. CH49 0TX
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The suggestion of David Gurwitz that manufacturers of magnotherapy products should be funding this type of research might seem a valid point. In reality, the results of any trial from such funding would be seen as biased and therefore invalid. As a distributor of Bioflow magnotherapy products, I have naturally been awaiting the results of this report with eager anticipation. I know from experience the power of the products and am often frustrated with those who deride the many thousands of testimonials we receive from grateful customers and anecdotal evidence. I applaud this report and look forward to more research into alternative therapies that will free those in pain from the unbearable side effects of conventional medications and pain relief. Competing interests: Independent Distributor of Bioflow magnotherapy products |
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Peter H Canter, research fellow Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, 25 Victoria Park Rd, Exeter EX2 4NT
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The interpretation by Harlow et al (Randomised controlled trial of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee)of subject blinding data is most creative. In a successfully blinded trial we would expect equal proportions of each group to believe they had been given the standard magnet. Not only is there a large difference between standard and dummy groups in the proportion believing they had received real magnets(54% and 17% respectively), there is also an intermediate proportion (38%) in the weak magnet group, suggesting, a dose -response relationship between magnet strength and unblinding. This is not surprising given the large proportion who noticed the magnetism or deliberately tested for it. The correct conclusion from this data is that the attempt to blind treatment has failed and therefore the results are invalid. Harlow et al report similar effects in those individuals who said they did not notice the magnetic field. This type of post hoc analysis is suspect. Furthermore, the individuals enrolled in the trial will have known they might receive real or dummy magnets and it is quite likely that many will have concealed testing or noticing magnetism in order to tell researchers what they believed they wanted to hear. Competing interests: None declared |
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Christine Harrison, Distributor of magnotherapy products 7 Grafton Drive, Upton, Wirral. CH49 0TX. UK
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In response to Bernard Badleys plea of how to choose from the huge number of magnotherapy products currently on the market. I too went from one retailer to another asking what I considered to be relevant questions of “how strong is this magnet” or “what is the Gauss measurement of that bracelet”. With hindsight I now know it is also important to be asking what guarantees the products come with. Does the manufacturer have enough confidence in their products to offer your money back if it does not have the required affect? Do they guarantee the quality of the workmanship? Is there a guarantee on the life of the magnetic module? Can they offer an after sales service or will they simply take your money and run? Does this all sound too much to be asking for? Absolutely not! In this market, if a product is sold for a specific purpose and does not perform as expected, the customer should be entitled to a refund even when it is as subjective as pain relief. Ask the above questions and if you are not satisfied with the answers – do not buy the product. Competing interests: Distributor of magnotherapy products |
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C Gill, PR for MagnaMax MagnaMax HU17 9HG
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A double-blinded clinical trial, which I helped with was carried out on 30 dogs. The study was at a Vet's practice in Beverley and the out come was positive, I have the results available, (which I don't believe have been published yet) along with, a newspaper article and BBC look North TV feature on CD, about the MagnaMax Collar. These where organized to increase awareness of the Vet's trial & to find more dogs in pain (with bad mobility) for the trial. I'm sure there have been other trials done on animals available on the net. For more information please e-mail me on either chris@magnamax.co.uk or chrisgill22@hotmail.com Competing interests: Involved in a Magnatherapy Org. and with Trials on the Magnamax device |
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C. R. Gill, PR MagnaMax Ltd. HU17 9HG
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What is an ultimate Magnet? Do you have one of those scanners available if another study was being done and the researchers would find this scanner beneficial as you mentioned it would? if not do you know where they are available? Competing interests: None declared |
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Victor C. Green, Director Weydon Mill, Weydon Mill lane , Farnham, Surrey GU9 7QL
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The products involved in the study were "Bioflow" wristbands manufactured by Ecoflow plc, a UK company based in Cornwall. I know this because the units used in the trial were standard "Bioflow" units employing central-reverse-polarity (CRP) TM magnetic modules; only Ecoflow products have CRP, it is their patented design. Victor Green
Competing interests: My company is a registered authorised Distributor of Ecoflow's products (including the Bioflow wristbands). |
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Sarah M D Fishwick, Independent Distributor of Ecoflow plc magnetic products 52 Emesgate Lane,Silverdale, Carnforth,LA5 0RF
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I sell Bioflow magnetic products manufactured by Ecoflow plc which were used in the clinical trials. Many of my customers have purchased our dog collars for their pets and have reported some remarkable accounts of the improvement in their animals wellbeing. Customers often only believe the magnets work when they have seen the difference they make to the quality of life in their animals; they then purchase for their own use! One man earlier this year purchased a dog collar for his much loved pet. This elderly dog had progressively deteriorated and was having difficulty walking any distance on the fells near his home, but after a fortnight of wearing the collar all the time, it had amazed him by jumping a wall. This was something it used to enjoy doing but had, prior to wearing the collar, found impossible! He rang me on a Sunday specially to tell me how delighted he was! I also remember one customer who found that the magnets in her wristband helped her aches and pains but decided that Ł25 was too much to pay to help her 17 year old cat. Instead each evening she placed her magnetic wristband around the cat's neck for about an hour. After a few weeks she realised her cat was eating better and its overall condition improved. She then came back to me and bought the cat its own collar! You can tell an animal it will get better wearing one of our products, but unlike a human their is no placebo effect. To the best of my knowledge animals do not understand English and the symptoms will only lessen or disappear if the animal no longer experiences pain. Competing interests: I am an Independent Distributor of Ecoflow plc magnetic products |
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Ray Padfield -Krala, Director MAGNETiC Steers Farm Willingale Ongar Essex CM5 0QF
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With reference to both Bernard Bradley and Christine Harrisons comments I would like to add why use the word "bracelet". As far as I am aware this term implies a piece of jewellery? This term was also picked up by the media who also showed images of various items which bear no resemblance to the products used in the trial. More care should have also been taken when using the word tesla as most people selling these products wouldn't know what this was let alone the public, for Mr Bradley's sake .5 mTesla is 5.0 Gauss. Why mention the price? There are products out there within this Gauss/Tesla rating that are cheaper and work equally as well but may well now be artificially inflated to meet the criteria. Another important criteria in judging a products effect is not only the strength of the magnet on the surface but its penetration factor! A magnetic field strength drops away the further away from the surface so whilst a magnet with 2000 gauss on the surface seems ideal it will not work if it is so small that the magnetic field that penetrates the area treated is only 25% of that on the surface!! Which is why a distinction between that what was used in the trial and a "bracelet" with smaller and sometimes weaker magnets should have been made. Christine Harrison is right when she says questions should always be asked and guarantees offered but then this is not the job of the study group, however I feel more care should have been taken knowing that this report was going to published in the public domain. Competing interests: Manufacturer of magnetic field therapy products |
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Hugh de Glanville, retired Weybridge KT13 9EQ
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The caption to the lone figure in this paper refers to "a standard magnetic bracelet (20mm diameter)". Twenty mm is four fifths (0.8)of an inch 0.8 inches. An oval such as the wrist is not normally described as having a "diameter". Hence one may imagine that what is meant is perhaps the diameter of a bracelet before application, when it might assume a roughly circular shape. Even so, under an inch suggests a bracelet that might just fit a little finger rather than even an infant's wrist. Am I missing something? Competing interests: None declared |
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Valerie M Daykin, Independent Distributor Of Ecoflow plc. Supply Teacher 22 Hayburn Road Offerton Stockport SK2 5DB
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'percentages'... 'proportions'... 'relieving pain originated at distance from the places where the magnet brackets are worn'... ' statistics'... ' sceptics' ... ' conclusions overoptimistic' ... I taught Specialist P.E. for the first twelve years of my teaching career. Injuries led to the complete removal of my lateral left knee cartilege (leaving bone-on-bone) in 1976. As advised, some years on, it became arthritic, along with my right knee and low back(other P.E.injuries). I took nine years out to start my family then returned to Primary teaching for thirteen years, where even my eight year old Key Stage 2 pupils could tell the difference between weak and strong magnets!! 1998: knees and back really a problem: wouldn't take Brufen long term
- only for a month prior to my holiday to mobilise me. Other supplement
alternatives tried upset me -wasted money.
Aug 2000: stumbled across Bioflow - good guarantees - money-back - worth a
try. Fantastic! After 6-8 weeks, up and down stairs normally again after 2
years step together: in and out of low chairs/cars with ease: no pain:
greatly increased mobility: brilliant help to both my knees and back (even
though magnet module is worn on my wrist) - the same strong, single,
module as used in the trials.
Conclusions? What arthritis sufferers want to conclude is, are magnets a reliable alternative to drugs? (my experience - YES!)The medical profession - Doctors having to prescribe/recommend pain killers etc and physios working with joint problems - need some evidence before they feel at liberty to give the green light to magnets.(my doctor dismissive - no clinical proof, until now!) It may not be/is definately not possible to set up a blind test, but nevertheless here's a test that is as fair as the materials allow. Everybody needs to know that not all magnets are as efficient, and not all carry the same guarantees. The trials carried out are a very welcome, long awaited step in the right direction. I'm just so thankful that the magnotherapy wristband that I stumbled across over four years ago is the same make as the ones which have been trialled, which I wholeheartedly recommend to others. Four years down the line I am still bone on bone, but contrary to consultants' expectations, I am also still pain-free, mobile and take no drugs! A changed life!! I recommend all sceptics to try before judging. Competing interests: Independent Distributor of Bioflow (Ecoflow) Magnotherapy Products |
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ABHIJIT M. BHOSALE, Research Fellow in Orthopaedics Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedics Hospital, Oswestry SY10 7AQ
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Dr. Abhijit Bhosale MBBS, M S (Orth); DNB (Orth); MNAMS Research Fellow Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust Oswestry 21st December 2004 To The Editor BMJ Sub:- Magnetic Bracelets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of hip and knee. Dear sir, I read with interest an article called “ Randomised controlled trial of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee” by Tim Harlow et al published in BMJ—18-25 December 2004 issue( pg. 1450-54). It is interesting that such therapeutic measures which are considered as an imerical therapies can actually have a real good impact on the disease process. But the article doesn’t highlight few things, which need to be addressed a)What was grade of osteoarthritis of these patients, when they entered the trial? b)How long these patients had the symptoms before the study? How many were newly diagnosed of having OA? c)Did the author ask the patients to refrain from all other medications like pain-killers while during the trial? d)Ryser L et al (1)had pointed out in their study that in WOMAC score, patients with pain and functional problems were unable to distinguish between the two variables. Did the authors considered this fact? e)How long patients were using mangnet in a day? f)Is it synergistic to use other modalities along with magnets? I appreciate the study, but it’s interesting to know whether it is effective only in early osteoarthritis and that in advanced arthritis if it could be used synergistically with other modalities of treatment. (1) Ryser L, Wright BD, Aeschlimann A, Mariacher-Gehler S, Stuckig (1999): A new look at Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthitis index using Rasch analysis; Arthritis care Res 12: 331-35. Kind regards. Yours’ Sincerely, Dr.Abhijit Bhosale Research Fellow, RJAH, Oswestry 25 Twmpath Lane, Gobowen Oswestry SY10 7AQ Ph:- 01691-404110 Cell:- 07951 770706 e-mail: drabhijitbhosale@yahoo.com Competing interests: None declared |
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Tim N Harlow, General Practitioner College Surgery, Cullopton, Devon, EX15 1TG, Colin Greaves
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We are gratified by the interest shown in the paper Some points-
The purpose of inclusion of a weak magnets group was to provide an undetectable placebo and despite the problems with contamination this seems a good way to allow for placebo in future studies . As many have pointed out, this is an area where placebo control is difficult to achieve ,and we suggest that this new methodology is the major innovative step in this study. Perhaps not all the responders have fully seen the rationale behind the weak magnet group or appreciated the caution of our conclusions. We randomised patients from a geographically discrete area with a relatively stable and ethnically homogenous population and so the concern about different educational and cultural backgrounds affecting the results seems misplaced- it is always possible to speculate about possible unmeasured confounders in any trial, The purpose of randomisation is to randomly allocate any such effects between the groups. There seems no reason to suspect this was unsuccessful here. We did look at analgesic consumption both at baseline and over the 12 weeks and consideration of this did not affect the results. There seems also to be confusion between blinding and belief. Belief was indeed higher in the standard group and (less so) in the weak group than the dummy group but this does not support the conclusion that there was either large scale undeclared unblinding or that all improvement was placebo effect. It is a fundamental mistake to assume that in true blinding there would be the same level of belief in all three groups. Belief may follow effect (pain relief) or effect may follow belief and any differences would therefore be hard to interpret. Peter Canter has in this case unfortunately been attracted to a false conclusion in his response by this mistaken premise. Readers interested in this issue can read more in Shulz’s excellent discussion of blinding issues in randomised trial [1] We recognised the methodological incorrectness of using belief as a marker for blinding and so in this study used and reported two separate approaches to deal with this difficulty. First we conducted an analysis which took into account self reported blinding status (which we had specifically asked patients about) which showed that unblinding did not affect the results. Second we used weak magnets as an undetectable placebo ( the weak magnet groups discussed above). To clarify the question about units of magnet strength, the international unit of magnetic field strength is the Tesla and 200 mT = 2000 Gauss . The suggestion of looking at the enormous magnetic field (but for a short time) of an MRI scanner is interesting but we confined ourselves to an examination of magnets as used in everyday life. The implication that, as there is no known physiological basis for such an effect it should not be studied, seems rather unscientific- if we do not know how something happens it is still worth studying, perhaps even more so. If this possible specific effect of magnetic fields on pain can be confirmed then clearly our knowledge is incomplete. Thus more work on the fundamental science of how such an effect can arise and how it may be optimised to benefit patients is indicated. Finally, this study does raise more questions than it answers, but the data suggest that this field is worth further investigation. Most importantly, the study presents a methodological tool with which to answer the questions raised. [1] Schulz KF, Grimes DA. Blinding in randomised trials: hiding who got what. Lancet 2002;359:696-700 Competing interests: We are authors of the paper |
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Kathleen B. Robinson, Distributor 25 Kendal Drive, East Boldon, Tyne & Wear, NE360UB.
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It would be a shame if sceptical opinion prevented someone in pain from trying something different or new....surely you agree? I was first introduced to Bioflow magnotherapy bracelets earlier this year and decided to buy one to see if it would ease my pain - I am pleased to say that it worked very well indeed. A short while later I lent my bracelet to someone with arthritis and she very quickly experienced a dramatic pain reduction. At this point, any personal doubts about the potential of magnotherapy vanished completely and I decided to become a distributor of magnotherapy products. During a relatively short period as a distributor I have had some very positive feedback from clients who have bought bracelets and wristbands. I have also met long-term users of the single module type who claim great results in pain reduction and simply wouldn't be without their bracelets. The theory of the placebo effect has no validity when it comes to animals. Only recently I had a conversation with a lady whose dog had been wearing a magnetic collar with such success that the lucky animal had been taken off all pain-relieving medication; there are many similar stories about animals. The products I sell all come with a 90 day money-back option. Scepticism is understandable of course, some people cannot accept new ideas as readily as others. But, why worry how, or why, it works or even doubt that it can help you - give it a try because you'll never know the answer unless you do. trymagnetism4u@aol.com Competing interests: Independent Distributor of Bioflow (Ecoflow) magnotherapy products |
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Kay A Gill, Independant Distributor 28 Alexandra Gardens, Sheffield S11 9DQ
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The trials carried out used Bioflow magnetic wristbands with Central Reverse Polarity (CRP), a magnetic unit patented to Ecoflow Plc. As a distributor of these products I know that strength of the magnet is actually less important than the depth of field provided by this CRP set up. I do feel that the image used in the article should have been one of the products used in the trial. Ecoflow do not produce jewellery containing magnets, they produce high quality magnetic therapy that are registered class one medical devices, now clinically proven to work and also happen to look great. Competing interests: Independant Distributor for Ecoflow Plc - manufacturers of Bioflow Magnetic wristbands |
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N A Shah, SpR in orthopaedics Wrightington Hospital Centre for hip surgery, M N Shah
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Sir, I am amazed that your journal has published such a paper, and then responses from manufacturers of magnets, with obvious conflicting interests that encourage large number of arthritis patients to spend more money on completely unproven methods of pain relief. We are all aware of the tremendous amount of money companies have already made by pushing remedies such as glucosamine and hyalgan, all without any significant measure of reliable pain relief in the medium to long term. One manufacturer has pointed out that the depth of magnetic field and not the strength is important !!! which is a criticism of the entire methodology on this trial. Now the article is encouraging these people to go and spend (waste?) more money on magnets, with tenuous evidence being based on articles such as these. A large number of patients have correctly guessed the presence or absence of magnetism on their bracelets.There is absolutely no scientific method to quantify the placebo effect. There is no way to have any control on compliance.As Mr Bhosale has already pointed out,the severity of osteoarthritis, duration of symptoms and simultaneous intake of nonsteroidals or other medications is not corrected for.There is no laboratory evidence of reduction in inflammatory markers from synovial fluid. Having had the opportunity to specialise in joint replacements, and having seen a large number of such patients on a daily basis,I am sure you are already aware of the significant cyclical variation in symptoms that these patients get not only diurnally, but also weekly and seasonally. Can the trial rule out the fact that these patients would have felt better anyway in about 8-12 weeks just because of the natural cyclical variation, without the need to wear expensive magnets. By publishing misleading articles such as these ,on complimentary medicine, with soft endpoints and outcome measures, and incorrectly drawn conclusions which the study clearly does not support, it is merely going to lead to increased wastage of money on the part of patients, or even the health service, which is already cash strapped, and unable to rapidly provide evidence based effective treatments to patients such as joint replacements.Are we now going to recommend that all patients on the waiting lists be given magnets? Certainly a good way to get rid of waiting lists, cheaper that surgery as well !! It sounds very nice to use a complicated statistica; analysis and conducting RCT,s to test such hypotheses, but in the real world these patients need definite evidence based treatments to relieve pain and improve function.Unfortunately however the level of pain they have to put up with is such that most are willing to try any such remedy which may not have any real effect.Popularising these treatments in journals of your repute will not help the real cause, which is to recommend using limited resources on sound evidence based treatments which are effective in the long term. N Shah FRCS(orth) FRCS, MS(orth),DNB(orth) Competing interests: None declared |
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Ano L. Lobb, Research Associate Consumer Reports on Health
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In studies of alternative therapies where plausible biological mechanisms of action are lacking, and evidence of efficacy is either equivocal or also lacking, analysis of results needs to be especially rigorous to rule out chance or spurious effects. Harlow et al.’s results appear to lack such rigor in at least three instances. First, there were no significant differences in results between the standard (therapeutic strength) magnetic bracelets and the weak (sub-therapeutic strength) magnetic bracelets, only between the standard and non-magnetic bracelets. This is an important shortcoming, since the weak-magnetic bracelet was deemed a more effective placebo due to the ease with which study participants could ascertain whether their bracelet was magnetic or not. Second, the authors do not mention whether there were significant differences between the weak-magnetic bracelets and the non-magnetic ones, and from a simple "eyeball" test of the results table it certainly looks like there might have been. If the difference in results between the two placebos was statistically significant, that would certainly call into question the conclusion of this study, and raise the likelihood that placebo effect was causing measured improvements. Lastly, no mention was made about the significance of self-reported pain reduction, if there was any. It is always nice when the significance of all measures is reported. Competing interests: None declared |
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Daniel E Moerman, Anthropologist University of Michigan-Dearborn 48128 USA
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What I don't understand is why a treatment (magnets) can't seem to have a cognitive component in its effectiveness. If we concede that some portion of the success of the treatment in the strong magnet group was that people knew they had magnetized bracelets (I suppose they might pick up pins, or stop my watch), this does not change the fact of the effectiveness itself. What, after all, is the point? Competing interests: None declared |
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Tim N Harlow, General Practitioner College Surgery, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 1TG
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I was interested to read Shah’s perhaps slightly unscientific response. I am not responsible for any responses from the manufacturers but their competing interest is there for all to see. One manufacturer’s view that ‘depth of magnetic field is important’ cannot be taken as a criticism of the entire methodology of the trial which was based on randomised controlled study of one type of bracelet as used in the consumer market. We clearly stated that while there was significant and clinically useful reduction in pain, we could not say whether this was due to placebo or specific effects or a mixture of both. There was enough to justify further investigation but that was all we concluded. We looked only at pain: there was no attempt to look at inflammatory markers and we made no claims at all about the disease processes. Of course there is the possibility of random variation, of different analgesic use and of spontaneous improvement- that was why we performed a randomised controlled trial to allow for just such factors. We looked at difference in change between groups using well validated outcome measures and pre-specified analyses. There is a curious argument in Shah’s last paragraph. He, rightly, points out the need for good evidence before advising either patients or the health service to spend money on treatments. Yet he also suggests that such investigation of ‘complimentary’ (sic) therapies is of no value and such research should not be published. This study is imperfect, has not provided all the answers and I welcome the rational debate it has stimulated. However, it is important for those who criticise the study to read the paper carefully first and to guard against emotion clouding their judgement. Competing interests: I am one of the authors of the paper |
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David W Haslam, Independent distributor of Ecoflow plc 75a Magnolia Drive, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3LP
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4 Four years ago I was on medication for gout and arthritis in both feet and the condition was slowly spreading up to my knees and hips.I was taking 2 Co-Proxamol painkillers, Zyloric and Bezalip morning and evening, when a friend suggested that I tried a Bioflow bracelet. Being a sceptical pensioner I said Iwould not waste my money on these fairy tale schemes, to which he replied that I would have nothing to lose except the pain, because if I was not satisfied I could have my money refunded in full. So I said "Dick I will try it if only to prove you wrong." Since that day 4 years ago I have not taken any medication for my gout and arthritis nor have I suffered any pain or discomfort and I became a independent distributor of Ecoflow plc products. I might also add that all my life I have had low blood pressure. 3 Years ago Iwas having my 6 monthly health check when my doctor made a remark of surprise, thinking he had made a mistake he rechecked my blood pressure, he had not, it was normal; after 65 years of being low for the last 3 years it has been normal. I cannot prove it one way or the other but surely it must be those magnets, the CRP magnets of Bioflow and Ecoflow plc. Our best recommendation for magnotherapy are pets, and of course, pets do not "suffer" from the placedo effect, they do not know the collar they are wearing is special. When owners buy a collar for their dog and see the good results, often they purchase a bracelet for themselves. The remarks of N.A.Shah is in my opinion typical of a section of the medical profession with this "head in a sack" attitude. When you consider the pressure taken off the NHS and the money saved on drug prescriptions by the number of Bioflow bracelets that the independent distributors of Ecoflow plc it has got to be worth doctors looking at magnotherapy with an open mind. Doctors remove those blinkers. David Haslam For more information contact me through my web page. www.healthflow-uk.ik.com or e-mail: travelwith.dave@virgin.net Competing interests: I am a registered Authorised distributor of Ecoflow plc (Bioflow) |
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Tony Floyd, Medical Student Newcastle University
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Ano L. Lobb (BMJ Response 29 December 2004) concluded his critique of this paper with:
> no mention was made about the significance of self-reported pain reduction, if there was any Yet Tim N Harlow (BMJ Response 29 December 2004) opined: > We clearly stated that while there was significant and clinically useful reduction in pain... Is one talking about statistically significant pain reduction with magnetic bracelets and the other using the word in an everyday sense? Poles apart, one might say.
Competing interests: Recently had to resubmit an assignment due to use of the word 'significant' |
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Curtis Bennett, Engineering Technologist Canada V1X 6A5
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Shah, Why the negativity on alternatives? Don't knock it till you have seriously researched the issue of magnetic influences. Being skeptical as you research is important but have the facts before you conclude. Magnetism is utilized all day in every aspect of our lives. Radio, television, computers, phones, electricity, eyesight, microwave, x-ray, etc, etc. As a health application, the design of the magnetic field is key to success. We have imaged physiological changes before and after the application of specific magnetics. The changes in physiology was remarkable and with zero side affects. The UK Diabetes Wellness and Research Foundation published the physiological changes. I have received emails from people saving toes and feet from amputation(magnetics increase circulation) If you want to see the article, email me at: curtis@thermoguy.com Magnetics require responsible design and will be a great compliment to medicine. What is on the market today where you can localize an area and increase circulation with zero side effects? I interviewed an MD avoiding knee replacement with specific magnetic insoles. From crippled, on vioxx to dancing and off vioxx. Studies like this are required because whatever drugs go into the body come out of the body where waste water systems are not designed to deal with trace chemicals in our water cycles. They are released back into the watershed and feed and water us again before going into oceans. The less we impact the environment, the healthier future generations will be. Keep up the great work, there is a book by an MD, PHD, Ron Lawrence and
another fella called:
Magnet Therapy, the Pain Cure Alternative
I am not a magnetic supplier, have a great day. Curtis Competing interests: None declared |
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Jim York, GP Kingscliff, NSW, 2487, Australia
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Sir, This research is of practical use to me as a GP because it provides a further option for my patients with osteoarthritis. I don't know why magnetic bracelets reduce pain in most patients as much as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other analgesics and clearly this is a matter for further research. However at this point it appears there is reasonable evidence to support purchasing these bracelets and I will now change my algorithim for managing patients with osteoarthritis. I will now insert advice to purchase magnetic bracelets after keeping active and before taking Glucosamine, which steps precede taking Paracetamol, prescribing NSAIDs, steroid joint injections and finally orthopaedic referral. I will be fascinated to learn eventually whether the reduction in pain is due to the placebo response or some other mechanism but I personally regard it as unethical to ignore this evidence until then because we haven't got a good theoretical foundation to explain it at this point. I am grateful to the authors for this useful piece of work. Jim York Competing interests: None declared |
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Ray Padfield-Krala, owner Steers Farm Willingale Ongar Essex CM5 0QF
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For Mr Glanvilles benefit: The study say the magnet was 20mm Dia not the "bracelet" itself which is the point I was making about the article being a little misleading. In fact I would like the study group to check this dimension again!If the product used is in fact the ones suggested then I think you will find that the "magnet" is actually 15mm dia and the overall 20mm size stated includes the metal casing/housing which IS NOT magnetised!!! Let us not forget that it was the effect of a magnetic field of a determined strength that was worn on the wrist held by a strap (not a bracelet) that showed the benefit, not a particular companies product. This forum is slowly becoming a advertising medium for distributors of a particular companies product, a point I made in a letter to Dr Ernst when the trial first started. To those distributors who have contributed to this discussion I might suggest you have got some of your claims wrong and you are seeing only what you want to see and that not all is what they seem! Fact: The unit used in the trial is NOT patented! The patented product is an older model, using a rectangular magnet which was not the same as used in the trial. Patent is "still" pending. Fact: The products currently offered for sale by distributors contain an even smaller magnet! Again, not used in trial! Fact: All powerful magnets have an opposing, detectable field around their edge, CRP technically is not exclusive to one product, only the term! Before distributors hijack the results, they should check that the magnet used in the trial and the one currently offered for sale are one and the same i.e of the same dimensions that the trial paper published (see above). That said, magnets of sufficient strength work! all of us who work in this field (no pun intended) have seen the results (with or without CRP!) I applaud the trial because it showed that a clinical difference was seen, not enough for some but I have seen it work for animals and for people, sometimes within minutes! More work needs to be done but in response the suggestion that companies should contribute financially to the trial will only have he results hijacked by those claiming "it was my product not yours, so mine works best" attitude. My original issue was the use of the word "bracelet" and the price range implying that a Ł30 bracelet that is also sold down the market for Ł10 now fits the criteria of the trial. In fact I have evidence that shows the same product sold at between Ł4.99 and Ł55!! I have brochures claiming a magnetic field strength of the magnets in an actual bracelet as being around 2000 gauss (200 mtesla) each, which are about 4mm in dia. The field produced on some of these magnets (not all) has a depth of 3 to 4mm and losing strength over that distance. This fits the strength criteria of the report? I have heard sellers say that because the bracelet contains 6 magnets that adds up to 12000 gauss!!! Or because it contains more than one magnet it is stronger! So much misleading information, like chinese wispers, it filters through not only into the public domain but into the scientific community which only goes to fuel sceptism. One newspaper that published the Journals findings also published a picture of a product that probably wouldn't pick up a paper clip! No wonder there is confusion! To Mr Lobb, Mr Belmonte, Mr Shah and Dr Bhosale if you wish to trial for youselves, informally, I would happy to send you some samples of "a magnet of sufficient strength in a strap" so you can conduct your own "trial". If any distributors wish to question my claims about the patent check the patent office! If you need the patent number my email is: magnetic@btinternet.com Your loyalty is unquestionable but if our ethics are true then it is the therapy that is the key not necessarily the product! For those who are looking for some scientific published work on the therapuetic effect of magnetic fields may I suggest the work of Roger Coghill in particular Something in the Air. I look forward to some interesting replies! In the meantime I would like to wish everone a very Happy New Year. R. Padfield-Krala MAGNETiC. Competing interests: Manufacturer of magnetic therapy products |
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William N. Elwood, Director (Harmony Products) 13 Lenham Avenue, Saltdean Brighton BN2 8AE
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We wish to lend our support to the use of magnotherapy with animals suffering arthritic pain. The placebo effect ,we consider, can be completely discounted with regard to animals. Having applied magnotherapy to many cats,dogs,horses and goats since our business was established in 1997,we have had almost 100% success,and we derive much pleasure from the unsolicited testimonials that we receive from grateful owners. Surely such responses are a positive indication that magnetic fields,correctly applied,have beneficial effects in cases where arthritis is a problem. We would add that the magnets we utilise are neodybnium type with a field strength of 200 mTessla Competing interests: We produce magnotherapy units (collars & bands) for humans and animals |
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Bill Lawson, Self Employed Ashness, Torthorwald, Dumfries DG1 3PS
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It is disappointing, to say the least, to read negative and narrow minded comments from members of the medical profession in relation to the trial results. It is fully appreciated why Consultants and GP’s will not, and indeed can not, prescribe or endorse any medication or treatment which has been fully researched, tested and approved. However, surely there is no harm in medical professionals suggesting to their patients that magnetic therapy might be worth a try in suitable cases, subject to the usual restrictions in relation to pacemakers, etc. The resultant feedback from their own patients might then give them first hand information on the potential benefits of magnets, and encourage them to support further research. Given that magnets have been used for many hundreds of years by the Chinese, Egyptians etc, I am surprised that study and research by the medical profession has never been carried out. The recent trial has been a step in the right direction. As already mentioned, the positive results gained from animals, particularly dogs, is surely convincing in itself. I personally have several (human) customers who started out as total sceptics, and who took a lot of persuading to even try the products. All are now total converts, and would be insulted if anyone suggested that ‘its all in the mind’! No-one involved in promoting magnets for pain relief can be blamed for taking full advantage of the trial results, given the lack of medical evidence available. All the distributors I have come across in the company I am involved with believe passionately in the effectiveness of magnets, and are always looking for new ways to convince people to at least try them. We are also keen to promote our money back guarantee, and I am sure that most, like me, would far rather refund the money to the few who find the magnets ineffective, rather than have dissatisfied customers. Most are in the business principally for the satisfaction, not the money. Apart from distributors, clearly at least one other manufacturer of such products has also been attracted to the opportunity to promote his products! I assumed the response from Hugh de Glanville was written ‘tongue in cheek’, however clarification has now been provided anyway. A more open minded attitude from all concerned in relation to the use of magnets would be very welcome. Many more people and animals might then have the opportunity of benefiting, and gaining a better quality of life. Competing interests: Independent Distributor of magnetic products. |
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Everett L Williams, Computer Consultant Ingram, Texas, USA
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We keep hearing the plaintive note of those speaking of benefits to animals, claiming there can be no placebo effect in such. Of course, there can be no intelligent response of any kind, either. The placebo effect is then in the eye of the pet's master or other observer. With animals, we could expect laboratory conditions and even possibly genetically similar animals, possibly even gene knockouts. Then, we can photograph them in enforced movement in controlled circumstances, showing range and manner of motion. And yes, one must have some form of "placebo", even in animals. They would need to wear essentially identical devices, at least in form, to eliminate direct physical effects of the device and also any possible difference in handling of animals with and without devices. As long as the animals have no ferro-magnetic metals in their environment, researcher bias can be somewhat reduced or eliminated. I cannot imagine why such an inconclusive and flawed study should be published at all. There is such a cavalier attitude to possible co-factors and the obviously flawed blinding that the entire study should have been disqualified. Political correctness appears to arise in an amazing variety of venues. How can this journal hope to continue to be taken seriously if it publishes such as this apparently only because of the huge interest in such devices and the complete lack of useful research. This study adds not a whit to our knowledge, but it certainly does bring into question the motives of the publishers and the possible validity of their future publishing. Competing interests: None declared |
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c gill, Coordinator MagnaMax NH1
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It is a valid point you have regarding the comments about the strengths of magnets in the trial and how some of the volunteers fingered out which was which (low & high strength). This is something that all magnetic therapy trials should take into account when planning a trial, as we did when planning the trial for a Breakthrough Magnetic Device. But you failed to offer a solution to this issue which basically means you stated an obvious issue, which most magnetic researchers already know about and as you offered no method to resolve this issue your comments where of no use and had no benefit to anyone involved. Therefore I would like to hear any methods you (or anyone) may have to resolve this problem so it dose not cause problems for trials in the future. (The next comments are to everyone who wrote negative comments) I would like to know why many people are so negative, when it comes to magnetic therapy??? These people are normally not in need of pain relief and therefore I believe don't have the pain suffers best interest at heart. Why are they negative when there have been so many cases of positive results to people and animals & no negative effects to people who have used magnetic therapy, over the thousands of years that it's been used. I guess these people would probably suggest medication instead, if they had the patients best interest in mind, I don't understand why they would suggest this instead of magnets. When some medication causes death and negative side effects (I know which one I would prefer to use). If it's placebo then why magnets why not anything else & why would somebody come up with the idea of using magnets instead of easer things to source thousands of years ago & if it's not a beneficial therapy then why has it not been dismissed, hundreds of years ago? Why not simply use metal, that would have been easier to source & cheaper to make and would have made no difference if it is actually a placebo effect that is accruing? I always believe that if there is smoke there is fire, for example why do people choose to continue to invest time and money into countless research trials and new devices if it's simply not therapeutic, If it's placebo then why do people continue to use magnets instead of rubber, plastic, gold, silver and so on, if it was a money making scheme then why not use silver everyone knows that using more expensive material such as platinum, gold or silver or a combination would increase profits. I come to three conclusions the mean 1 is that the people that have negative comments about this therapy have there own interests at heart (Money). Basically the reason is that they work for, own a business or have stocks with-in the pharmaceutical industry and see this therapy as a threat. The 2nd reason is because they don't understand how it works, many people fear what they don't understand especially some doctors because they are use to knowing every thing when it comes to treatments, or thinking they do anyways, many doctors are not informed about how it works in medical school, because it's not with-in western main stream medicine. Therefore if they didn't learn about it in medical school, then they dismiss it and think it has no therapeutic benefit. The 3rd and final reason is because people (introduced to magnetic therapy) believe that if it's a truly effective treatment then the NHS their Dr. would be encouraging it & using it on patients, (I know a few Doctors who are using it). These people are naive and have little understanding about the industry. Along with the fact that these days, people are conditioned to be very jaded about everything ("if it's too good to be true" then it's probably not true). But between people becoming more aware of this safe & effective alternative therapy and their concerns about medication grow. For example the media stories about the thousands of people killed by Vioxx & Vioxx knew about the risks before putting it on the market, but didn't care about people's safety and put profits before people, now they are being heavily sued & are paying the price. I believe the use of this therapy will continue to grow and all the sceptics in world will not be able to stop this growing use of Magnetic Therapy. I look forward to hearing any sceptic’s answers to any of the questions above. Competing interests: Involved with a breakthrough magnetic device & trials with this device |
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Chris Gill, coordinator MagnaMax N1H
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Everett L Williams, You say, "Of course, there can be no intelligent response of any kind, either." when animals are involved. If a dog has limped for 5 years and can't jump on to a bed, then someone puts a new collar (magnetic) on the dog and the next day it doesn’t limp and can jump on a bed, then therefore an improvement in mobility has been achieved, to me that is pretty strait forward and that would be an "intelligent response" of some kind. Below I have included comments from dog owners that wrote encouraging letters after getting the MagnaMax Dog Collar to help there dogs. This is to try and help explain to you how an "intelligent response" can be achieved when animals are involved. Animals have been used to research countless other treatments and other products why are these magnetic products any different to these other products which, animals have been used to help research? After receiving positive feedback from dog owners. We were interested in getting the collar more credible and aware to Vets. So we contacted a Vet in Beverley East Yorkshire who conducted a double-blinded clinical trial, which has now been finished. It was successful resulting in 85% of the dogs wearing the real device getting improved mobility and healthier according to the Vet. To promote the research being done at that time we had an article written about Mrs J. Key and her dog Rose (see her comments below) in a Beverley News paper, which I can e-mail, if anyone would like to read it. A reporter for the BBC's Look North team read the article and contacted us to see if she could do a feature with-in the 6pm & 10pm Look North News Stories, We obviously excepted and the TV feature was done & is also available on a MPEG Video file. To request the news article e-mail me on chris@magnamax.co.uk For more information about the device you can visit www.magnamax.co.uk MAGNAMAX WORKS FOR DOGS AS WELL (Comments from dog owners) “She suffered from very painful arthritis, limped a lot and slept most of the time. Since wearing MagnaMax, she runs around a lot and wants to go on long walks again. Very playful now and has started to chase rabbits again. I have reduced her steroids and am hoping to stop them completely soon” Mrs J. Key “Jenny, a 9 year old black lab, was born with hip dysplacia. For the past 3 years the condition has become noticeably more painful after exercise and she would limp or walk on 3 legs. Jenny has noticeably improved since wearing MagnaMax, noted by me and others who know her. She is more active and recovers from exercise very quickly; she is back on 4 legs.” Dave Birmington “Lucy suffered from pain in her front knuckle to the extent that it was impossible to take her to the park. Since wearing MagnaMax, she seems to be a happier dog and can now enjoy the park again. People who love their animals will try anything, we were at our wits end. Thank you so much MagnaMax." Mrs C. Hirst Competing interests: other reaserch trials |
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Christine Harrison, Distributor 7 Grafton Drive, Upton, Wirral. CH49 0TX UK
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Mr Shah, I am amazed that you seem to consider there is no room in medicine for complimentary or alternative treatments! I am one of the many thousands of people that had been unable to find relief from daily pain through conventional methods including surgery and medication. Not very reliable methods in my experience having spent ( wasted ) a fortune on ( new and improved ?? )prescription drugs and private osteopathy. Bioflow products are supplied with a money back guarantee so if it does not do the job, the customer gets their money back. I don't recall ever having that option on the NHS. There has never been the suggestion that magnotherapy can cure anything or be the ultimate alternative for a hip replacement. However, while patients are painfully awaiting their operation, could this not be considered a suitable and cost effective method of painrelief without the sometimes harrowing side effects of anti- inflammatory drugs? I agree more research is required but Tim Harlows trials ( and the one and a half million satisfied Bioflow customers ) show there is a place for 'effective' magnotherapy products which in turn could free up some of the limited time and cash resources of the NHS. Keep an open mind Mr Shah, if your patients welfare is your main concern then anything that can improve their quality of life has to be worth considering - doesn't it? I am a distributor of Bioflow products but only after being an extremely happy and healthy customer for 2 years. No more back pain or chilblains, better circulation, more energy. Christine Harrison c_harrison@btinternet.com Competing interests: Independent Distributor of Bioflow products |
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Christopher J F Potter, Retired anaesthetist Pain clinic, Ashford,kent
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Pain is entirely subjective. I note radiological evidence and orthopaedic opinions were used in selection of the participants, and pain relief is very interesting and worth-while. However, this finding would be very much strengthened by objective,radiogical and orthopaedic,follow-up evidence. Competing interests: None declared |
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Chris B Thayer, partner in wife's solo medical practice Karen C. Dantin Medical Clinic, Baton Rouge, La. USA, 70806
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I have personal experience with magnetic devices here in the United States and the placebo argument always amazes me -- it is such a red herring used by those apparently afraid of what they don't know. (I know, because I was one of them.) I have a few questions which never seem to get answered by the naysayers. For argument's sake, concede a placebo: -Even if it IS placebo, does that reduce the value of relief experienced? -If placebo continues to get relief, does that make it an invalid use? -Could placebo simply be a "brain effect" or even a "hormonal stimulation by the brain" that indeed DOES create a biological effect that hasn't been recognized or measured? If so, does such a "ghost" trigger causing a result invalidate that result? -If it is placebo from a manget, then why hasn't all the previous "wishful thinking that it would get better" created a similar placebo effect -- particularly in conjunction with using the pharmaceuticals that are apparently not succeeding at relief? -How is this "favorable" placebo supposed to work among the "skeptics" who get results but were sure that "this CANNOT work" and often report positive results reluctantly but with eyes wide in amazement? -If placebo is so important and powerful, then what of the OPPOSITE effect? Is it possible that a "reverse placebo" could just as effectively PREVENT any positve outcome and shouldn't this potential impact on study results explained and quantified? -- Could this explain the LACK of results in a portion of ANY study -- the test subject placeboes AGAINST improvement? -Finally, if placebo is "active" a third of the time, doesn't that also mean that a third of the group getting the "real thing" are only responding to a placebo-effect, albeit from an "active agent"? It then becomes startling that the 45% effectiveness of a procedue is populated by the two-thirds who are only reporting the placebo effect! If "placebo" affects the placebo group, then it should similarly affect the "active" group. Competing interests: I promote health and wellness products (including magnetic devices). My wife is a physician -- who saw before I these technologies' benefits. |
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Richard L Peacocke, RMN West Dorset Mental Health Forum, DT1 1JP
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I feel it a shame that highly respected and qualified doctors such as Mr Shah dismiss a placebo effect so lightly. Surely, the whole object of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and promote the health and well-being of our clients? If a placebo effect achieves this, then where is the harm? If it does not, then it seems from above reports by dealers that the patient can retrieve the costs as of right. I do not see this article as misleading in that it points out a way to treat symptoms of pain from osteoarthritis. Such chronic pain often leads to depression, requiring further questionable medications and more expense on our health services. Complementary (not 'complimentary') treatments reduce a lot of these costs and pressures. Richard Peacocke BSc hons MSc RMN Competing interests: None declared |
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Matthew L Grove, Consultant Rheumatologist NTGH, NE29 8NH
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I'd like to take the opportunity to thank the authors for a very well -performed study in the (always contentious) field of complementary medicine. In his replies to the various criticisms, Tim Harlow manages to impress further with his well-balanced view of the limitations of his study. I confess I am not entirely convinced of his argument for a difference between belief and unblinding, when a number of patients report (correctly) guessing their allocation on the basis of the magnetic force of the bracelet (as opposed to the presence or lack of therapeutic effect). Furthermore the intermediate efficacy of the weak bracelet, together with intermediate (correct) guessing by the patients wearing them, argues for a placebo effect based on correctly identifying the bracelet as magnetic - or that the assumptions made regarding the degree of magnetism required for benefit are false. But the amount of sheer knee-jerk negativity from some medical colleagues is worrying (yes, you, Mr Shah!). These bracelets are cheap (particularly when the manufacturers are confident enough to give a money back guarantee); they are very safe (NSAIDs/ COX2 / paracetamol are not); they appear to be effective (even if only as a placebo). For Mr Shah's information, glucosamine sulphate is also effective: check out the 3 year RCT published in 2001 in the Lancet by Reginster et al that showed evidence of not only pain relief but also slowing of progression of OA as demonstrated by digital examination of knee XRays - a suitably hard endpoint, I think you will agree. When an intervention is cheap and safe, less evidence of efficacy is needed than for an expensive and dangerous pharmaceutical. You may not understand how it works, but that is not the purpose of this kind of study (even if deserving of further research). Two further points. Firstly, I was surprised by the magnetic field strength being used - at 200 mT these bracelets are only 5 to 7.5 times weaker than a MRI scanner (1-1.5 Tesla - a field strength that prompts our radiology department to take numerous precautions). Unfortunately, none of my patients who I have referred for MRI have mentioned any improvement in their joint symptoms to me - but then the duration of an MRI exposure is less than an hour. Secondly, to confound the skeptics, I suggest that further studies ask patients about their beliefs regarding magnets at baseline and the end of the study. Many of my patients seem appropriately suspicious to me of dubious efficacy claims. Recruiting such a skeptical group and then demonstrating conversion of belief as well as efficacy would strongly support any positive effect found. Competing interests: Rather sceptical about magnets |
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Loretta Mutton, retired scientist Australia 4505
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Based on measurements by my Gauss meter (an instrument that measures magnetism) the majority of both magnetic bracelets and underblankets are considerably less than the 1700 gauss mentioned in your clinical trial. In fact they range from 0 to 1300 gauss -at 2 cm away the readings are about 0-20 gauss, so the anecdotal claims by the vulnerable masses, based on your research, must be placebo. (I run demonstrations for seniors and measure the magnetism of their magnetic devices and underblankets and I let people do their own readings - I have a 100% disappointment rate by people who have spend large sums of money.) I would like to suggest you involve a scientist to measure your magnets as the power dramatically reduces with distance from the magnet. In the interest of science and optimism I attached a slightly stronger magnet to my wrist (I have shoulder tendonitis). I was soon attached to the BBQ, the kitchen knife and an aerosol can of insect repellant. My question is this ...How could the Clinical Trial be double blind when it is easy to test the strength of the magnet? Why not test a magnetic underday - these are the big money wasters? By the way,I now leave my bracelet attached to the fridge. I am a retired Physics Graduate. L Mutton BSc Competing interests: None declared |
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Dr. Herbert H. Nehrlich, Private Practice Bribie Island, Australia 4507
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I just came across this exchange over the alleged benefits of magnetic products. To date, I have not seen any real results in patients with osteoarthritis and/or any other painful conditions, other than what is obviously a placebo effect. A new angle has just been introduced in my neck o' the woods, magnetic underlays PLUS, AND in addition (healing from the inside as well) Bee Pollen is offered. The package deal is heavily 'discounted' and people can further reduce cost by being 'available' for radio and TV testimonials..... I have recently discovered a new ray, which is very elusive and required specialised instruments as well as very advanced knowledge to even identify. This ray is what I call the magneto-flato-stasis ray. New products are being developed as we speak. They all have been treated with the ray and will undoubtedly eliminate most, if not all, pains and aches. There is a sucker born every minute and at least three 'entrepreneurs' to attend them. Competing interests: None declared |
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chris gill, PR HAL N1H 7V3, Canada/UK
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You may be interested at a trial done by a GP who tried the MagnaMax (feel free to see more @ www.magnamax.co.uk)(new breakthrough in magnetic therapy) on himself and his patients wrote a conclusion/evaluation paper which have on file and is now using it on himself and suggesting to patients. I guess this new device may be more effective then the ones you have in encountered. How do you know it is definitely placebo when people talk to you about their beneficial experience with the therapy? And if it was possible to show the blood flow levels before the device was used and then while it was being used and if it showed a change in blood flow would this help you understand that it is not a placebo necessarily? Thank you for your time Best Regards Chris Gill Competing interests: www.magnamax.co.uk & Different trial underway |
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Dr. Herbert H. Nehrlich, Private Practice Bribie Island, Australia 4507
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Interesting response it is. Did the GP get paid for his co-operation? Even if he did not, the placebo devil is everywhere. As to the observed increase in blood flow, I do hope you will refrain from elaborating on this, describing in great detail how each individual erythrocyte will raise its happy face toward the magnets and offer its iron content ..... I can increase bloodflow by a multitude of things, not all of them physical. Bio-feedback, Hypnosis and other methods accomplish this too. And at a lot less cost than the modern fad of magnetic healing. Don't forget that D.D.Palmer, founder of Chiropractic, decided as early as in the year 1895, that magnetic healing wasn't what he had thought it would be. He called himself a magnetic healer. So he "discovered" chiropractic and it has now become widely accepted that that form of healing seems to be what it is cracked up to be. Competing interests: None declared |
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Chris Sergeant, Clinical Biochemist King George Hospital, Essex, UK
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Clearly Dr Harlow has published an article that has stirred up emotional arguments rather than scientific ones. Perhaps this is because, unfortunately, assessment of pain is subjective and quite difficult to do - even in oneself! If I think I feel less pain then I do feel less pain - regardless of whether my response to the wristbands is physiological or psychological. For example mild pain may be there when I am awake but disappear when I am asleep. Has the pain gone or just my perception of the pain? Furthermore, severe pain may keep me awake. If it is reduced to mild pain (or I think it is) by wearing a wristband and I get a good nights sleep has the pain completely gone or has my perception of the pain gone? I suspect there is more than a placebo effect involved - based on my experience in other conditions. Other contributors have cited articles in which magnets were shown to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. I have read through many such reviews and studies and indeed many support the use of magnets. I refer readers to a selection of such articles below. But perhaps we should examine more closely the effect of pulsed magnotherapy on the immune response and how it may affect the way in which the body produces and circulates inflammatory mediators? I ask this because I know people who have tried various prescription creams, Chinese herbal remedies etc for eczema and their eczema has remained - despite obviously wanting such therapy to work. The "placebo" effect did not happen with such medications. Wearing a Bioflow caused this eczema to disappear. Does a placebo effect works only for the Bioflow and not the other therapies? I think not. Intriguingly the eczema returns should the Bioflow be removed for more than a day or two. I also know Bioflow has helped in many cases of asthma. One particular asthmatic gentleman, a trained pharmacologist, was sceptical about Bioflow and wanted to prove they did NOT work! He took months putting it on, taking it off etc. After such a personal quest to disprove the whole concept he is convinced it worked. He even started running, something he had not been able to do for a number of years! Given the possible consequences of long term steroid inhalation perhaps we should be looking into such responses more closely? Perhaps a pulsed magnetic field over the blood vessels in the wrist can have an as yet unknown affect on our intricate immunochemical messaging systems. Should funding be made available so that we can look more deeply into the science or would this only serve to silence the sceptics? - patients are clearly seeking out such benefits for themselves. Meanwhile, I do not mind being called a "sucker". A 10yr old boy no longer gets taunted at school because now his eczema has disappeared. I was the one who recommended this therapy to his mum. That makes me feel good and no-one is going to convince me it was wrong. References: 1. Evolution of Magnetic Therapy from alternative to traditional medicine (Review) Carlos Vallbona MD, Todd Richards PhD, Complementary Therapies in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 10,3 (729) 1999 Baylor College of Medicine & University of Washington This paper states 26/33 placebo controlled double blind trials in a variety of disorders showed positive results using both pulsed electromagnetic therapy and static magnets.Improvements were seen in arthritis, bone healing,depression, MS, migraine, oedema, sleep, wound healing 2. Response of pain to static magnetic fields in postpolio patients Vallbona, Hazelwood & Jurida Archives Physical & Medical Rehabilitation 78 (1200-1203) 1997 Active devices: 76% patients had significant pain improvement 24% no significant improvement Placebo devices: 9% reported improvement 81% no improvement 3. Magnetic bio stimulation in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: A novel intervention – a randomised, double placebo crossover study Weintraub MI American Journal of Pain Management 9(1) 8-17, 1999 75% patients with diabetic neuropathy showed significant improvement in symptoms after use of magnetic foot pads. 4.Use of thermo magnetic bandages and belts in cervical and lumbar pain syndromes. Porzio F Clinica Terapeutica 151(3) 149-153 2000 (Italian) -All patients stopped analgesic / anti inflammatory treatment for 8 days before trial - 30 (15/15) patients wore magnetic belts, 30 (15/15) wore placebo belts 14 days 8hrs / day -14/15 treated CPS & LPS showed improvement - 3/15 CPS & 4/14 LPS placebo showed improvement 5. Supression of inflammation by static magnets Weinberger A: Isr J Med Sci, 32(12):1197-201 1996 Synovitis was induced by bilateral intraarticular injection of zymosan to the hind joints. One group held in a cage with 3800 Gauss magnet on the bottom of the cage (treated), while another group was held in a cage without a magnet (control). After 3 weeks the rats were killed and the hind joints tissues were examined histologically. Marked articular infiltrate, composed of lymphocytes and plasma cells with some histocytes in 80% of the control animals A small articular infiltration of the same nature was observed in 20% of the treated rats. Inflammatory score 3.4 +/- 1.1 in the treated animals vs 6.8 +/- 2.6 in the control group (P = 0.002). Showed synovitis and the inflammatory process are significantly suppressed by a magnetic field. 6. Effects of static magnetic field on bone formation in rat femurs. Yan et al: Medical Engineering & Physics 20(6):397-402 1998 Magnetised & unmagnetized samarium cobalt rods implanted into rat femurs BMD and bone calcium content measured with X ray absorbtivity & CPC respectively. Post operative BMD & calcium content higher in magnetized group Similar BMD to non operated rats 7. Effects of static magnets and pulsed electromagnetic fields on bone healing. Darendeliler et al International Journal of Adult Orthodontics & Orthognathic Surgery 12(1):43-53 1997 30 guinea pigs split into control, static treated and PEMF treated. Osteotomy performed in the mandibular postgonial area. Over 9 days kept in cages for 8 hrs per day. Histological finding showed accelerated bone healing in both static & PEMF treated animals with new bone filling the osteotomy areas compared to minimal connective tissue in the controls. Competing interests: I promote the use of Bioflow |
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Sita M Bierma-Zeinstra, senior lecturer Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Harlow et al. reported the effects of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. Although in their randomized controlled trial blinding may not have been completely successful, and some of the effect might be attributed to a placebo effect, they claim that this effect (whatever it is based on) is clinically useful. For this claim they compare the effect reported in their trial with that of three trials reporting on other interventions in osteoarthritis (topical diclofenac[1], oral non-steroidal drugs[2], and exercises[3]). The standardized effect sizes (difference in outcome between the intervention and the control group, divided by the standard deviation of this outcome in the total group) are not reported in those quoted studies, but are estimated by us based on the outcomes and standard deviations given in their tables. This resulted in standardized effect sizes of 0.4 for both the trial on topical diclofenac and the trial on exercises (home exercises); for the trial on oral non-steroidal drugs we had no full-text article available. We did the same for the trial of Harlow et al., and based on the figures in table 2 for their primary outcome “WOMAC A” we estimated an effect size (standard versus dummy) of 0.2 at 4 weeks, and of 0.4 at 12 weeks, indeed comparable to the trials quoted in their article. However, in the EULAR recommendations 2003[4] the effect sizes for the trials available reporting on effectiveness of topical diclofenac are shown to range from –0.05 to 1.0, for exercises the effect sizes range from 0.57-1.0, and for oral non-steroidal drugs the effect sizes range from 0.47-0.96. It seems that the authors have chosen to selectively quote trials with a similar effect size as found in their trial. Clinically, an effect size of 0.2 is considered small, from 0.5 is moderate (and would be recognized clinically), and greater than 0.8 is large[4]. Summarizing, we argue that the clinical relevance of the reported effect by Harlow et al. still is disappointing. 1. Bookman AA, Williams KS, Shainhouse JZ. Effect of a topical diclofenac solution for relieving symptoms of primary osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2004 Aug 17;171(4):333-8. 2. Zhao SZ, McMillen JI, Markenson JA, et al. Evaluation of the functional status aspects of health-related quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis treated with celecoxib. Pharmacotherapy. 1999 Nov;19(11):1269-78. 3. O'Reilly SC, Muir KR, Doherty M. Effectiveness of home exercise on pain and disability from osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 1999 Jan;58(1):15-9. 4. Jordan KM, Arden NK, Doherty M, et al.; Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutic Trials ESCISIT. EULAR Recommendations 2003: an evidence based approach to the management of knee osteoarthritis: Report of a Task Force of the Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutic Trials (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis. 2003 Dec;62(12):1145-55. Competing interests: None declared |
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Kevin Mathis, Director Fosterville LTD, John Acres Lane, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 3GP
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A year ago I damaged my neck and over the next six months I started to develop several side effects. I had a constant headache, loss of feeling in my fingers and forearms, every step felt like my head weighed a tonne on my shoulders and sleep meant constant spasms and waking up with what felt like a hangover. The Consultant advised against an operation unless I lost arm function and I took to various prescibed drugs from my GP. Pain was reduced but the spasms became worse. I stayed up for days until I slept through exhaustion. Roughly six months ago limping through a market place one morning stressed out about how much my life had changed through a stupid accident, I noticed an advert for magnetic therapy bracelets. I read it laughed and walked off. In a fit of madness I returned, found a bracelet and purchased it. The vendor tried to preach the benefits but I told him it was for a friend and I thought it was nonsense. I wore the thing straight away and felt nothing! I forgot about it and moved on. Some two hours later I returned to my car, slid in, started it up etc and released the handbrake!! This normally resulted in a sharp pain in the elbow. I put the handbrake on and off a few times....no pain. Damn..If this thing works I had a problem. I hate jewelery and strappy things and had a "hard man" image to maintain. I continued to wear the thing under very long sleeves for a week and felt less uncomfortable every day. The following weekend I took the thing off to work on my car and placed it on the side in my garage. Minutes later my dad was taken ill and I raced to hospital. He was made comfortable and daily life resumed. Over the next few days I started to limp again and lost feeling in my left arm. I had a lot on my mind and put it down to stress. Then my son came in from the garage and asked who the funny "girly" bracelet belonged to. THE BRACELET THING!! I put it on and started to feel better within hours and have never taken it off for more than half an hour since. Not a placebo! they work. Symptoms and pain reduced dramaticaly. Don't knock it until you've tried it, and you can't try it until you need it. Catch 22 for critics! Competing interests: None declared |
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Kenneth J. Dillon, entrepreneur/researcher Spectrum Bioscience, Inc., 4115 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. #507, Washington, D.C. 20016 USA
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I would like to congratulate the authors of this paper for their very intriguing study, and BMJ for publishing it. Two potential mechanisms of action of the magnetic bracelets deserve investigation: 1. It is very likely that tiny amounts of the minerals in the bracelet were deposited onto the skin and were absorbed. In the case of neodymium, this raises a question of possible therapeutic effects or damaging side effects. In the case of iron, it could well have played some therapeutic role--e.g., in providing the ions for catalase that would have quenched oxygen radicals in the joints and thereby reduced inflammation and pain. Also, there is some theoretical basis for a general tonic Transdermal Feeding effect (see www.biophoton.com/microminerals/microminerals.htm and my book "Close-to- Nature Medicine"). 2. Red blood cells' ultrasensitivity to electromagnetic stimulation (in this case, by the magnets) results in chemiluminescence that has a general immunostimulatory effect, as in Biophotonic Therapy (Photoluminescence--its very misleadingly suggestive old name was Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation). Biophotonic Therapy's effectiveness against inflammatory disorders has been demonstrated in scores of clinical trials, mainly in the German and Russian medical literature (see my "Healing Photons" and "Close-to-Nature Medicine"). I look forward to more studies. Kenneth J. Dillon Spectrum Bioscience, Inc. Washington, D.C. Competing interests: Distributor of copper and copper/zinc bracelets; author of books on Biophotonic Therapy |
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Eric D Knapp, Magnetic Jewelry Maker USA 24202
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Dear Doctor, We make and sell magnetic bracelets. This confusion with telsa and gauss can be simplified. A. If it is a metal watch band style with a strong magnet in each link, then it should really stick to metal with a really good "click & stick". If it's a beaded piece of jewelry, it should likewise stick really hard to ferrous metal such as steel. Obviously, magnets do not stick to aluminum. Try not to make jewelry into rocket science. For further information, we suggest reading a book by Julian Whitaker MD "The Pain Relief Breakthrough, The Power of Magnets to Relieve Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel, Sports Injuries, Menstrual Cramps" There are other books out there showing relief from fibromyalgia and allergies with magnets. When it comes to magnets, stronger works the fastest and the best. Weaker might work, but not as fast and not last as long. People with pacemakers and the like should not wear magnetic jewelry. Always wear magnetic jewelry on the opposite wrist as your watch, so as not to magnetize the watch or the battery. Strong ankle bracelets have amazing results also. Strong necklaces work for neck pain. Do not be fooled by look alike hematite which is not magnetized. But remarkably enough, some people have non magnetic hematite and swear up and down it works. Go figure. Really good magnetic jewelry can work in as little as a few minutes. Competing interests: We make and sell magnetic bracelets. |
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Kim I. DiJulio, President of Vital Wonders Healthware Grand Junction, CO 81502 USA
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BMJ 2004;329:1450-1454 (18 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7480.1450 The limits of medicine: 'Randomised controlled trial of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee' Article response; Upon reading this article I see it as being very short and sweet and probably not convincing enough for most skeptics. But the important thing to me is the response this article has encouraged. It is obvious people are interested in magnetism but it threatens the dictating medical power mongers. Where would it stop after all? People treating themselves and not paying penance to the drug mega companies. The important point is the thirst for knowledge on the public's part and any and all positive studies are welcome to counter the constant flow of the negativity in blind panning. For this short article to promote such response is extremely promising to me. We need voices, all opinions and as much facts as possible, testimonials and studies. I think the tell tale automatic response from mainstream shows a definite fear in them towards self prescribed pain relief. Or any self empowering. Competing interests: Owner of Vital Wonders Magnetic Jewelry and Wearer of Magnetism |
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Michael Dowling, Physics lecturer Hugh Baird College, L20 7EW
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It seems that this article has been used by magnetic product manufacturers as 'Proof Positive' that their products actually work. They give a link to this site, but how many believers would read and understand the findings? I would implore the authors of this article to say categorically that "Magnets don't work as an effective cure for pain" at the heading and pursue any misuse of the data presented. As a physicist, I would like to see that the mechanism of 'what these magnetic bracelets do' be explained by researchers in para-, ferro- and dia-magnetism. If they did work there would be Nobel(isible) research on the mechanism. What physicist would not jump at the chance of this? The problem is, unfortunately, that there is no effect on the body by non-ionising electromagnetic radiation. If there were then there would be university departments studying it for the obvious benefits to science and industry. (The only groups saying that the use of magnetism is beneficial are those peddling the myth. Magnets are beneficial but only to the seller of the myth and merchandise.) Benefits? - There just isn't and if the authors would please be clear in their statements then we could leave this to die and get on with some real science. If magnets cure pain then just give everyone who suffers (including myself- I may add) an MRI scan and tell them they are healed. QED. If the authors do not make a clear statement then people will suffer by the misleading claimants who are using the article erroneously. Competing interests: None declared |
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