Randomized trials and dedicated placebo studies have given us a much deeper understanding of the placebo effect and all of its complex parts. Researchers have even used things like brain scans to show that there could be a physiological, not just psychological, explanation for it. While there is still much about placebos that we don’t understand, what is becoming clear is that there is more to it than simple deception.
Doctors worry that a more broad acceptance of the placebo effect could be used to justify useless treatments or procedures. On the other hand, in sport and fitness, there is a growing idea that the placebo effect may actually be an integral part of what we call the Champion’s Mindset. This idea has many scientists, coaches, and athletes devoting more time to figuring out how they can use it to their advantage.
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