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Placebo Effect in Field-Based Physical Performance
Sponsor: Poznan University of Physical Education
Summary
This study aims to investigate the placebo (PLA) effect on physical performance across different sports disciplines in real-world, field-based settings. The study investigates how participant expectations and beliefs regarding caffeine (CAF) intake influence physical performance and psychomotor function outside the controlled laboratory environment. Healthy, physically active adults (n = 120) from diverse sports backgrounds will be randomly assigned to receive caffeine, placebo, or no intervention. Participants will perform discipline-specific field exercise tests (e.g., running-based protocols or repeated sprint protocols) while physiological responses are monitored using wearable technology. Physical performance outcomes and psychomotor responses will be analyzed to evaluate the real-world impact of the placebo effect and to distinguish the pharmacological effects of caffeine from those driven by psychological expectations across different athletic settings.
Official title: Psychophysiological Mechanisms of the Placebo Effect on Physical Performance in Field Settings
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - 35 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
120
Start Date
2026-09-01
Completion Date
2029-03-31
Last Updated
2026-08-03
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Caffeine (6mg/kg)
Anhydrous caffeine administered in an encapsulated form at a dosage of 6mg per kilogram of body mass, 30-60 minutes before the exercise protocol.
Placebo (Starch capsule)
Corn starch administered in an identical encapsulated form as the active caffeine, 30-60 minutes before the exercise protocol.
Sham (No Treatment)
Participants perform the same exercise protocols without any capsule or substance administration.
Locations (1)
Poznan University of Physical Education
Poznan, Greater Poland Voivodeship, Poland