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. 2011 May;35(3):257-68.
doi: 10.5993/ajhb.35.3.1.

An investigation of exercise and the placebo effect

Dixie Stanforth  1 , Mary Steinhardt, Michael Mackert, Philip R Stanforth, Christian T Gloria
Affiliations

An investigation of exercise and the placebo effect

Dixie Stanforth et al. Am J Health Behav. 2011 May.

Abstract

Objective: To replicate previous research that concluded exercise affects health via a placebo effect: simply telling workers with physically active jobs that their "work is exercise" improves health.

Method: A convenience sample of university building service workers (n=53) learned "their work is exercise" or about job safety.

Results: Groups demonstrated similar outcomes at 4 and 8 weeks for weight, percent fat, waist circumference, and behavioral measures. Both groups increased self-perception as "regular exercisers"; blood pressure was reduced only in the intervention group.

Conclusion: This research did not support the placebo effect. Although enticing, simply changing mind-set does not alter the relationship between exercise and health.

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