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Testing the bioelectric shield.

Susan J Blackmore1, Nicholas Rose

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of the West of England, St Matthias College, Bristol.

Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine
|September 18, 2002
PubMed
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This study investigated a pendant claimed to offer health benefits. Results indicate the pendant provides a placebo effect, with no measurable benefits beyond that for electromagnetic radiation protection or strength enhancement.

Area of Science:

  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  • Bioelectromagnetics
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Pendants are marketed with claims of health benefits, including stress reduction and protection from electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
  • The concept of a 'bioelectric shield' lacks scientific validation.
  • Investigating the efficacy of such devices requires rigorous experimental testing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To scientifically evaluate the claimed health benefits and bioelectric shielding properties of a specific pendant.
  • To determine if the pendant offers protection against electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices.
  • To assess the pendant's impact on physical strength and mood.

Main Methods:

  • Three experiments were conducted involving human subjects.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Experiment 1: 12 computer workers used real or sham shields, with regular testing of hand strength and mood.
  • Experiments 2 & 3: 40 participants each measured hand strength at baseline, with a mobile phone, and with a mobile phone and shield (bioelectric or sham).

    • Main Results:

    • Both real and sham shields increased calmness, but no significant difference was found between them.
    • No significant differences in hand strength were observed between the real and sham shields across studies.
    • A correlation was found between increased strength and belief in alternative therapies, suggesting a placebo effect.

    Conclusions:

    • The pendant functions as a bioelectric shield primarily through a placebo effect.
    • The device does not provide measurable protection against electromagnetic radiation or enhance physical strength.
    • Further research into the psychological mechanisms of placebo effects in complementary therapies is warranted.