How strong is the placebo effect for strength gains?
Anabolic steroids have been shown to increase muscle mass and strength compared to a placebo (which does not have an active ingredient). However, what if someone believes that they are on steroids while they are actually getting a placebo?
This study investigated the effect of an anabolic steroid placebo on strength gains in trained athletes. First, subjects trained for 7 weeks without any treatment while their strength progression was being monitored (normal training period). The subjects were told that the ones who made the most strength gains would be selected for the second phase of the study where they would receive an oral anabolic steroid. This was done to motivate the subjects to make the most gains possible in the first 7 weeks of training.
However, subjects were selected at random for the second phase of the study. And while these subjects were told they received an oral anabolic steroid (i.e. Dianabol), they actually received placebo pills during a 4 week period (steroid placebo training period).
Subjects gained much more strength during the 4 weeks while believing that they were getting anabolic steroids as compared to the 7 weeks of normal training. These data suggest that your expectations can impact your actual progress.
Study:
Ariel D et al, Anabolic steroids: the physiological effects of steroids. Med Sci Sports, 1972
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