Physicians do not buy the idea. Dr David Baron, chairman of family medicine at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, said Phiten's claims are based on wrong assumptions about the electrical energy in living things.
"The human body absolutely generates certain electrical fields," he said. But that does not mean that those fields can be influenced by charged titanium or even if they could, that it would have any effect on a person's energy level, he said.
Alice Ishikawa, 63, a hairstylist from Gardena, California, a few years ago started wrapping Phiten titanium athletic tape around her wrists, to alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Later she bought a black and white necklace and started wearing it to the gym and found that it had many virtues.
"I work out five days a week," said Ishikawa, who goes to a Curves gym. "I have felt a significant difference as I've worn the necklace -- just an overall sense of wellness."
Earlier this month, to deal with her arthritis pain, Ishikawa tripled up, donning two bracelets and a necklace. She said her symptoms have lessened. Such testimonials do not amount to evidence that there any physiological effects.
"There is no real science behind this and many other gimmicks that surface from time to time," said Roland Carlstedt, a sports psychologist and the chairman of the American Board of Sport Psychology. "Lack of objective proof may be irrelevant to susceptible and superstitious athletes who are very prone to the placebo effect."
Other experts agree that the titanium jewelry may provide a placebo effect. Jeffrey Wildfogel, a professor of psychology at Stanford University, said that when athletes put their faith in the necklaces, it can affect their performance. "If you believe that you're going to do well in your head, your preparation will be done in a confident manner," Wildfogel said.
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