The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration has ordered the distributors of PowerBalance wrist bands to publish a retraction of their ads which make bogus claims that the bands have a therapeutic effect upon the body such as to improve strength, balance, flexibility, because there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

As a result, PowerBands Australia published the following retraction on its website:

In our advertising we stated that Power Balance wristbands improved your strength, balance and flexibility.

We admit that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims and therefore we engaged in misleading conduct in breach of s52 of the Trade Practices Act 1974.

If you feel you have been misled by our promotions, we wish to unreservedly apologise and offer a full refund.

To obtain a refund please visit our website www.powerbalance.com.au or contact us toll-free on 1800 733 436 . . .

PowerBalance wrist bands were created by Troy and Josh Rodarmel of California, who claim the bracelets incorporate what they call “Performance Technology” which supposedly works with the body’s “natural energy field.” The Rodarmels claim the hologram in the bracelet optimizes the body’s natural energy flow “similar to concepts behind many Eastern philosophies.”  The company claims that the “hologram in Power Balance is designed to resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body.” (See /?p=303)

Of course, this is utter nonsense, and the authorities in Australia have rightfully ordered the Australian distributors of the product, Tom O’Dowd and Sean Condon of Melbourne, to publish retractions.

As of this writing, PowerBalance USA is still selling this product and, unfortunately, people are still buying it.