Nocebo Effects on Perceived Muscle Soreness and Exercise Performance Following Unaccustomed Resistance Exercise: A Pilot Study.

Blake H Mclemore,Sarah G Mclemore,Mallory R Marshall,Tyler D Williams,Christopher G Ballmann,Rebecca R Rogers,Joseph A Pederson

doi:10.3390/jfmk5020040

Blake H Mclemore, Sarah G Mclemore + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk5020040

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nocebo administration on perceived soreness and exercise performance following unaccustomed resistance exercise. Untrained males were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: (1) control or (2) negative-belief. For the negative-belief group, participants were given a capsule before exercise containing 400 mg of an inert substance (gluten-free cornstarch) and were told the supplement would increase muscle soreness. The control group received no treatment. An algometer and pain scale was used to obtain soreness, and a goniometer was used to measure elbow range of motion (ROM). Participants completed an eccentric bicep curl pyramid with their non-dominant arm. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and repetitions were recorded. Then, 48 h after the initial exercise bout, participants repeated all procedures. Perceived soreness, ROM, average RPE, and total repetitions performed were analyzed. Perceived soreness was significantly higher in both control and negative-belief groups 48 h after exercise (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.23). ROM was significantly lower 48 h post in the negative-belief group (p = 0.004; d = 1.83) while no differences existed for controls (p = 0.999; d = 0.16). Average RPE was unaffected between groups (p = 0.282; η2 = 0.07). Total repetitions were significantly lower 48 h post in the negative-belief group (p < 0.001; d = 2.51) while no differences existed for the controls (p = 0.999; d = 0.08). Findings suggest that 48 h after unaccustomed resistance exercise, negative expectation does not worsen soreness but hinders ROM and exercise performance.

Highlights

High-intensity and unaccustomed exercise can often be associated with negative side effects, many of which may be exacerbated by psychological influences [1]
While the current study presents novel data concerning nocebo effects and post-exercise muscle soreness responses following unaccustomed physical activity, there were some limitations
The current pilot study presents new information on how the nocebo effect contributes to changes in exercise response following unaccustomed activity

Summary

Introduction

High-intensity and unaccustomed exercise can often be associated with negative side effects, many of which may be exacerbated by psychological influences [1]. The nocebo effect is a phenomenon in which an expectation of a detrimental outcome leads to exacerbations of negative symptoms [2]. The nocebo effect has been widely studied in the context of pain and pain tolerance, with many investigations reporting hyperalgesia [2,8,9,10]. Bottoms et al showed that while nocebo treatment increased local ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), there were no changes in peak minute power during arm crank exercise compared to controls [5]. Cheung et al reported that despite negative expectations and nocebo treatment, ischemic precondition prior to exercise was able to improve exercise performance [13]. Few studies to date have investigated nocebo effects on resistance exercise performance. Given disparities between previous findings, further research of nocebo treatment, exercise performance, and symptomatic responses following resistance exercise are warranted

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