Testing the bioelectric shield.
A pendant was claimed to provide numerous health benefits, including reduced stress, increased strength, and protection from electromagnetic radiation from computers and mobile phones. Three experiments tested the effectiveness of this pendant's effect as a bioelectric shield. In the first experiment, 12 subjects who work with computers wore shields (6 real, 6 sham) for several weeks and were regularly tested for hand strength and mood changes. Both types of shield increased calmness, but the real shields did not have any greater effect. In 2 further studies (in each N=40) hand strength was measured at baseline, with mobile phone, and with mobile phone and bioelectric or sham shield. The shields did not differ in their effects. Both studies showed a significant correlation between the change in strength with and without the shield and subjects'scores on a questionnaire concerning their belief in and use of alternative therapies. The shields appear to produce a measurable placebo effect but are otherwise ineffective.
Blackmore
Susan J
SJ
Department of Psychology, University of the West of England, St Matthias College, Bristol.
Rose
Nicholas
N
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D003201:Computers; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004739:England; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone; D013997:Time Factors