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SALT LAKE CITY -- Athletes wearing metal-infused jewelry has become big business as people look for any way they can to get an edge in a sport. But does wearing magnets around the neck or arm really make a difference?
Recently, athletes in the World Series have been noticed wearing a thick necklace, and in other sports it's a metal bracelet. The companies that sell them say they're infused with titanium or other metals that help the body recover, provide better balance and better performance.
Players who wear the necklaces and bracelets seem to feel it helps them perform. But physical therapist TJ Stevenson, who works with injured athletes at Registered Physical Therapist, Inc in Sandy, said there are no scientific studies out there that show any medical benefit.
"I have not run across any evidence that substantiates the claims that they make," he said. "Oftentimes athletes do have a level of superstition."
Stevenson said the real benefit of the metal-infused jewelry might be in the athletes head, acting as a placebo effect.
I have not run across and evidence that substantiates the claims that they make. Oftentimes athletes do have a level of superstition.
–TJ Stevenson
"Say I put on one of these necklaces and I have a great game; I may think that because of the necklace I had a great game," Stevenson described. "Is it the necklace or is it the placebo effect? And we all know the power of the placebo is quite high."
He added the only way to really exceed is by the old fashioned method of hard work and practice. However, that doesn't stop athletes from asking Stevenson about the necklaces or similar items designed to enhance performance.
Email: rjeppesen@ksl.com
