Power Balance band branded 'a pricey placebo'

London, Oct 28 (ANI): An Australian consumer watchdog has branded Power Balance band- the rubber wrist bands that claim to deliver greater strength and poise by promoting natural energy flow- a "pricey placebo".

The band was one of eight winners of Australia's 'Shonky Awards' handed out by Choice, an Australian consumer watchdog.Year after year, we are continually amazed by marketers," the Telegraph quoted Christopher Zinn, Choice spokesman as saying. he A60dollar band worn recently by the golfer Ian Poulter at the 2010 Ryder cup, as well as David Beckham, was tested under controlled lab conditions "which showed it did little else than empty purchasers' wallets", according to organisers.

Andrew Wood, a personal trainer and triathlete from Sydney, who had worn one of the bands for months, said: "I don't put it on thinking I'm Samson and take it off and think all my power is gone ... but you do start getting attached to it so I probably will keep wearing it.

"I'm less taken by all the hype around its energy systems," he said.ealth and fitness goods featured prominently in the Choice awards, which for the past five years have aimed to choose the "shonkiest, meanest and silliest" products and services.

A spokesman for Power Balance declined to comment. (ANI)