Definition: "An ergogenic aid is any substance or phenomenon that enhances performance "
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21.08.2017 |
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Not fit? You can benefit from the placebo effect of sports products
Sports shoes that the manufacturer says will make you run faster. Tracksuits that the advertisers say will make you cycle faster or able to lift heavier weights in the gym. They might actually work - true, it's thanks to the placebo effect - wrote a German psychologist in PLoS One. At least for people who know they are not fit...
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Study
During the cycling session the participants wore a compression shirt made by "a well-known sporting goods manufacturer". Before they started cycling some of the participants were shown a video with the message a) that exercise is healthy and b) the shirt would make cycling easier. The other participants saw exactly the same video clip, but without the tittle-tattle about the performance-enhancing effect of the shirt.
Results
Among the participants who regarded themselves as fit and athletic [High Physical Self-Concept] the performance-enhancing story did not make the half hour of cycling less tiring. But among the participants who regarded themselves as non-athletic and unfit [Low Physical Self-Concept] the story did have a positive effect.
Conclusion
"The findings impressively show for all those who don't consider themselves to be great sportsmen and -women. The right product really can make sport more pleasant, if only you believe in it."
If on the other hand you know that you're fit the products with performance-enhancing claims don't work.
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