Keterangan :

Power Balance is a brand of hologram bracelet claimed by its manufacturers and vendors to " use holographic technology" to affect the wearer' s " natural energy field" . Numerous independent studies of the device have found that it is completely ineffective at improving athletic performance.

According to the manufacturers, Power Balance bracelets are designed to " resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body" .[ 1] It is promoted through paid celebrity endorsements[ 2] and viral marketing rather than published scientific work.[ 3] Power Balance says they do not make any medical or scientific claims about their products, [ 4] although the company was later forced to recant this assertion.[ 5]

The company has been the focus of significant criticism, particularly for false advertising. It has been described as " like the tooth fairy" [ 6] and a " very successful marketing scam" .[ 7] Power Balance bands have become a fad among professional sportsmen, leading one journalist to say that " a growing number of professional sportsmen and their attendants are starting to sound like New Age crystal healers." [ 1]

In December 2010, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ( ACCC) required Power Balance to do several things, including making this statement admitting they " engaged in misleading conduct" :

" 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 apologize and offer a full refund." [ 5]

In January 2011, a suit was filed against the company for fraud, false advertising, unfair competition and " unjust enrichment" .[ 8]