Placebo Effects in Sport and Exercise

Placebo  effects have been recognised by medicine and by science, yet only  recently has systematic research begun to fully understand what they are  and how they work. Sport and exercise scientists started systematic  research to better understand the potential performance-enhancing  effects of placebos as well as how a range of treatments are used in  sport, from nutritional supplements to psychological interventions to  sports medicine treatments. Placebo Effects in Sport and Exercise synthesises this field of research of the influence placebo effects have in sport and exercise.

This  book brings together many of the world’s leading and emerging placebo  effect researchers to help readers gain an understanding of core  research findings from within sports and exercise science as well as  sport and exercise-related contributions from experts in anthropology,  medicine, and neuroscience. Readers will gain an insight of what placebo  and nocebo effects are, how they might influence sport and exercise  performance and outcomes, and how they might significantly influence the  effectiveness of performance and health interventions.

The  book investigates various practical and ethical implications for the  sport and exercise practitioner, student, and researcher to consider.  Can a placebo work if the athlete knows it’s a placebo? Should  practitioners use placebos to enhance performance? Can the use of  placebos reduce doping? Are some sports medicine treatments little more  than placebos?

With  the rapid growth of applied sports medicine, as well as the concept of  exercise as a mental health treatment in its own right, Placebo Effects in Sport and Exercise is key reading for students and researchers of sport psychology as well as those out in the field.