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The Limits Of Medicine

Randomised controlled trial of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee

BMJ 2004; 329 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7480.1450 (Published 16 December 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;329:1450

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Clinical Trial????

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

Competing interests: No competing interests

19 January 2005
Loretta Mutton
retired scientist
Australia 4505