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Published on: December 14, 2014
An investigation of exercise and the placebo effect
Dixie Stanforth1, Mary Steinhardt, Michael Mackert
1The University of Texas at Austin, Kinesiology and Health Education, USA. d.stanforth@mail.utexas.edu
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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Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
