title: Placebo effect and athletes.
abstract: Anecdotal and experimental evidence suggest that the placebo effect is seen in athletics. To this end, placebos have been used in clinical practice and athletic performance. Positive reinforcement and the beliefs of athletes might contribute to the magnitude and direction of the effect, while supplement color, cost, and method of delivery also might be salient factors. Physiological changes similar to those resulting from active medication have been observed as the result of the administration of placebos, raising questions about placebo mechanisms. Researchers should look at design methods that will isolate placebo effects from those of experimental medication.
authors.affiliation: New England Musculoskeletal Institute, Department of Family Medicine and Orthopaedics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA. ttrojian@UCHC.edu
authors.forename: Thomas H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Trojian
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Beedie
mesh_terms: D054874:Athletic Performance; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015990:Placebo Effect; D012107:Research Design; D013177:Sports