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Ionized wrist bracelets are a popular alternative treatment that is alleged -- at least by one manufacturer -- to balance positive and negative ions in the body and thereby improve health. In this randomized, double-blind trial from Mayo Clinic investigators, 610 people with various musculoskeletal ailments were assigned randomly to wear either ionized wrist bracelets or placebo bracelets (both supplied by a manufacturer of the bracelets). At baseline, pain was reported most commonly in the low back, shoulders, neck, or knees.
During the 28-day bracelet intervention, participants rated pain (on a 0- to 10-point scale) on specified days. Mean pain scores decreased in both the ionized bracelet and placebo groups during the month. Reductions in…