Posted by nolvas on March 3, 2010, at 13:24:46
In reply to Alpha Stim Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulator, posted by tonyz on March 3, 2010, at 12:23:12
I've seen this item, my sister even purchased one. I believe she sent it back unused though. The problem with studies is that they seem scientific, but most people don't have the knowledge to decipher them, it takes time to learn how to interpret studies. I admit I am still learning. With regard to studies you have to ask some basic questions such as > Was the study carried out on a human participant or animal? Was the study double blind placebo controlled? How many participants were included in the study and is this statistically significant. Were the studies published in respected journals? Do the studies relate directly to the technology that the alpha stim device is using? Were any of the studies conducted using an Alpha Stim?
As far as I can deduce none of the studies published on Alpha Stim's site show conclusive proof that it has any effect on depression or anxiety, the amount of participants is generally small. I would be very wary of shelling out big money for this device which I believe doesn't show any statistically significant proof that it works.
Meta analyses produced is inconclusive. "Noninvasive stimulation of the brain with low-intensity direct and alternating currents have both been associated with significant clinical effects, but results from
various groups are often mixed, and many studies are limited by small sample sizes and experimental design."As they say "Buyer Beware"
poster:nolvas
thread:938457
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20091202/msgs/938463.html