A NEW study led by a University of York academic has rubbished devices used worldwide to relieve arthritis pain.

Copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps are ineffective in preventing the problem, according to the research led by Stewart Richmond, a research fellow in the department of health sciences at the university.

Magnet therapy is a rapidly-growing industry, with annual worldwide sales of therapeutic devices incorporating permanent magnets worth up to $4 billion.

Mr Richmond said: “It appears that any perceived benefit obtained from wearing a magnetic or copper bracelet can be attributed to psychological placebo effects.

"People tend to buy them when they are in a lot of pain, then when the pain eases off over time they attribute this to the device.

“Although their use is generally harmless, people with osteoarthritis should be especially cautious about spending large sums of money on magnet therapy.”