Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Placebo and Nocebo Effects in Sports - a Protocol Paper
This research is looking into how our expectations can affect sports performance. Sometimes, believing something will help (a 'placebo effect') can actually improve performance, while believing something will harm ('nocebo effect') can make it worse. Researchers will use special brainwave tests (EEG) and measure leg strength to see what's happening in the brain when these effects occur. They want to understand which parts of the brain are involved and how these effects develop from the moment an expectation is formed, right through to when someone starts exercising. The study hopes to shed light on why some people are more affected by these beliefs than others.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're about to exercise, and you either believe something will boost your performance or hold you back. This study is all about understanding how these expectations, whether positive (a 'placebo effect') or negative (a 'nocebo effect'), actually influence your physical abilities. Researchers want to see what happens in your brain when these beliefs are formed and when you start to perform a task.
They're particularly interested in identifying which brain areas are involved and how these effects develop over time. To do this, they'll be using a technique called Electroencephalography (EEG), which measures electrical activity in your brain, essentially looking at your brainwaves. They'll also measure the strength of your leg muscles using special equipment. This will help them connect what's happening in your brain with how your body performs.
The findings from this study could help us understand more about the powerful connection between our minds and bodies in sports and exercise. It might also offer insights into why some people are more influenced by their beliefs about treatments or performance than others, which could have implications beyond just sports.
Key takeaways
- This study explores how beliefs (positive or negative expectations) affect sports performance.
- Researchers will use brainwave tests (EEG) and leg strength measurements.
- Participating involves two visits to the research centre.
- You will not be given any active drugs, only inactive substances to test expectations.
- You must be a healthy and physically active adult aged 18 or over to be eligible.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time without consequences.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult aged 18 or over who is physically active. You should not have any history of mental health issues or be taking any regular medications. It's also important that you haven't had any serious leg injuries in the last six months.
You should be able to speak and understand English well, and have normal eyesight, or wear glasses or contact lenses that correct your vision to normal. If you fit these descriptions, you might be a good fit for this research.
However, if you have any of the conditions mentioned above, or if you're not physically active, this study may not be suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you generally healthy and physically active?
- Do you have no history of mental health conditions?
- Are you currently not taking any regular medications?
- Have you had no serious leg injuries in the last 6 months?
- Can you speak and understand English well?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll visit the research centre on two separate occasions. On your first visit, we'll collect some initial information about you, measure your leg strength, and for most participants, we'll also take some brainwave recordings using EEG. This first visit helps us understand your starting point.
On your second visit, if you're in one of the experimental groups, you'll be given an inactive substance (like a sugar pill), but you'll be told it's either going to make you perform better or worse. This is a common and safe way to study placebo and nocebo effects. During this visit, we'll continue to monitor your brain activity with EEG, particularly after you hear about the substance's supposed effects. You'll then perform some leg strength and endurance tests. Throughout both visits, we'll also ask you about your expectations and how tired you feel. The total duration of your involvement will be across these two visits.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Canterbury Christ Church UniversityVerified postcodeCanterbury, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a 'placebo effect'?
A placebo effect is when someone experiences a real improvement in their condition or performance just because they believe they have received an effective treatment, even if the treatment itself is inactive.
What is a 'nocebo effect'?
A nocebo effect is the opposite of a placebo effect. It's when someone experiences a negative side effect or worsening of their condition because they expect a treatment to cause harm, even if the treatment is inactive.
What does 'EEG' mean?
EEG stands for Electroencephalography. It's a safe and non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of your brain, showing how your brain cells are communicating with each other.
Will I be given real drugs in this study?
No, you will not be given any real drugs. If you are in one of the experimental groups, you will receive an inactive substance, like a sugar pill, which is used to study the power of beliefs and expectations.
How long will each visit take?
The information provided doesn't specify the exact duration of each visit, but there will be two separate visits where data is collected.
How to find out more
Janina Hanssen, M.Sc.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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