The contribution of placebo effects can be measured by manipulating psychological factors, such as positive expectations for exercise outcomes, without the need for traditional placebos (such as inert substances). While placebo effects are well known, research has revealed intriguing findings suggesting that placebos can have beneficial effects even when studies are performed without deception. Open-label placebo (OLP) interventions (prescribed honestly), which harness the power of belief, may represent another effective method for enhancing the benefits of exercise effects. This study compared the efficacy of a conventional placebo intervention, an OLP intervention, and a control group among 89 individuals. Participants' levels of affective response after exercise and exercise behaviour were assessed during the intervention period (4 weeks) and at follow-up (4 weeks). The results revealed similar levels of improvement in all outcomes across the three conditions. Both the conventional placebo and OLP intervention groups exhibited greater enhancements in postexercise enjoyment. OLP interventions demonstrated distinct advantages in terms of remembered affect and expectation fulfilment. Nonetheless, neither intervention directly stimulated postintervention exercise behaviour. Future studies should continue to explore the impact of OLP interventions on adherence to exercise behaviour.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2024.2425907 | DOI Listing |
Life Sci Space Res (Amst)
February 2025
Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Winston-Salem, NC, USA. Electronic address:
Reduced weight-bearing during spaceflight has been associated with musculoskeletal degradation that risks astronaut health and performance in transit and upon reaching deep space destinations. Previous rodent experiments aboard the international space station (ISS) have identified that the spaceflight-induced molecular arthritic phenotype was characterized with an increase in oxidative stress. This study evaluated if treatment with a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic on orbit could prevent spaceflight-induced damage to the knee and hip articular cartilage, and the menisci in rodents.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAppl Nurs Res
February 2025
Akdeniz University Nursing Faculty, Antalya, Turkey. Electronic address:
Aims: To examine comfort and patient activation, affecting factors, and the relationship between comfort and patient activation in patients with myocardial infarction.
Background: Comfort is an important requirement for managing the treatment and patients' well-being and patient activation improves patient engagement. Assessment of comfort, patient activation and associated factors are important to reduce complications and ensure adherence.
J Epidemiol
January 2025
Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba.
BackgroundStudies have shown that informal caregiving is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, there is limited evidence on the mechanisms involved. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the association of informal caregiving with changes in health-related behaviors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExp Neurol
January 2025
Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil; Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil. Electronic address:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a burdensome condition frequently associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders. Although the exact molecular signaling pathways have not yet been fully defined, the compromised integrity of functional brain networks in regions such as the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex has been linked to persistent symptoms, including depression, fatigue, and sleep disorders. Understanding how TBI affects neural physiology enables the development of effective interventions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFProg Cardiovasc Dis
January 2025
Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection Network (HL-Pivot), UK; Research Centre for Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Science, Coventry University, UK.
Despite widespread attempts from governments and leading health organisations worldwide to promote equity in healthy living medicine, the evidence suggests that attempts to curb worsening public health have been almost entirely ineffective. Despite significant advancements in knowledge, medicine, and technology, as well as the promotion of guidelines and the implementation of numerous global initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities and mitigating the progression of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide, substantial work remains to be undertaken particularly in addressing inequalities in physical activity. Achieving equitable access to health resources and parity in health outcomes remains a critical and unresolved challenge.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!