Abstract
Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of information placebo on fitness test results in normal weight, overweight and obese children. Methods: Twenty-four pre-pubertal children with overweight or obesity and 24 age and maturity-matched normal weight children performed a progressive treadmill exercise test twice. Different types of information were randomly provided regarding a water drink consumed prior to testing; standard (water) vs deliberate positive (presumed energy drink, placebo) information. Results: Following the placebo drink, both groups demonstrated significantly higher peak heart rate (overweight 165.8 ± 16.7 vs 174.2 ± 14.8 bpm and normal weight 177.9 ± 13.6 vs 189.8 ± 12.2 bpm) and longer time to exhaustion (overweight 396.9 ± 161.9 vs 521.5 ± 182.5 seconds; normal weight: 700.1 ± 155.2 vs 893.3 ± 150.1 seconds). Despite longer exercise duration and higher peak heart rate, average and peak rate of perceived exertion were significantly lower after the placebo drink (overweight 14.1 ± 2.5 vs 12.5 ± 2.5; normal weight 12.1 ± 1.4 vs 10.7 ± 1.5), with significantly shorter recovery time (overweight 132.2 ± 28.5 vs 118.4 ± 31.6; normal weight: 106.7 ± 18.6 vs 96.7 ± 17.8 seconds). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a significant effect of information placebo on fitness test results that is unrelated to body weight. Children with obesity may enhance their physical activity levels and energy expenditure if properly encouraged.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 381-387 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics |
Volume | 109 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Feb 2020 |
Keywords
- exercise
- information
- obesity
- physical activity
- placebo effect
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health