Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of the study was to examine the influence of the placebo effect on the endurance capacity results in normal weight children.MethodsTwenty-four pre-pubertal normal-weight children aged 6–13 years participated in the study. Subjects underwent anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI percentile, and fat percentage), a progressive treadmill exercise test to evaluate endurance capacity, and filled habitual activity questionnaire. The participants were examined twice, in a random order, with each child being compared to him/herself. Different types of information were provided regarding a water drink consumed prior to testing- standard information (water) vs. deliberate positive information (presumed energy drink, placebo).ResultsFollowing the placebo drink, children demonstrated significantly higher peak pulse (177.9 ± 13.6 vs. 189.8 ± 12.2 bpm), higher stage achieved and longer time of exercise to exhaustion (700.1 ± 155.2 vs. 893.3 ± 150.1 s). Although the exercise duration was longer, stage and heart rate achieved were higher, the reported average, and peak rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were significantly lower for the placebo (18.3 ± 1.4 vs 16.2 ± 1.5). Although the effort was higher while drinking placebo (longer run, higher exercise phase, higher heart rate), recovery time was significantly shorter. The reported differences were not associated with order of tests, age, gender or child activity level.ConclusionOur results demonstrate a significant information placebo effect on children’s endurance capacity test results. This highlights the possible role of positive information (placebo) in trying to encourage physical activity in children. Whether this effect could be applied to longer-term interventions has yet to be tested.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT03165604, Registered May 24, 2017.
Highlights
The aim of the study was to examine the influence of the placebo effect on the endurance capacity results in normal weight children
Placebos have been used for a long time as a methodological tool in clinical trials in order to isolate the physiological effect of the examined medication from its potential psychological impact
A group receiving the medication is compared to a control group receiving a placebo in order to isolate the placebo effect and focus solely on the biochemical effect associated with the medication [2]
Summary
The aim of the study was to examine the influence of the placebo effect on the endurance capacity results in normal weight children. Placebo is a sham treatment—an inert substance or procedure that simulates a substance or procedure with an active effect material component. Its power rests in the patient’s perception instead of a scientifically known effective substance or procedure [1]. A placebo can be a pill, an injection, a drink, an operation, an exercise, a situation or even a piece of information. The term placebo effect describes the positive psychological and physiological changes to an individual when they believe. Placebos have been used for a long time as a methodological tool in clinical trials in order to isolate the physiological effect of the examined medication from its potential psychological impact. A group receiving the medication is compared to a control group receiving a placebo in order to isolate the placebo effect and focus solely on the biochemical effect associated with the medication [2].
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