The Power Balance wristbands, which were worn by some members of the Dutch national football team in the World Cup in South Africa, don’t work. Researchers from Amsterdam’s Free University (VU) published the findings on their website on Monday.

The wristbands are supposed to increase the wearer’s balance, strength and suppleness. However, tests using ‘placebo’ bands and the real things revealed that the wristbands had no positive effects whatsoever.

The Dutch advertising standards agency last week ruled that statements made about the bands by the importing company were misleading. Since they were worn by some of the Dutch football team, the balance bands have become very popular.

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