This study aimed to clarify whether the add-on placebo effect can augment the psychological and physiological benefits of exercise. The inclusion criteria were met by 18 studies with 1,221 participants. The add-on placebo effects promoted a more positive affect (g = 0.430), greater self-esteem (g = 0.454), improved cardiorespiratory fitness ( g = 0.273), and decreased perceived exertion ( g = 0.476) and blood pressure (g = 0.268).Improved affect benefits were moderated by placebo type (elaboration > external medium), self-selected exercise intensity (no > yes), and exercise type (running > nonspecific). The results support the proposal that the add-on placebo effect can provide significant positive benefits for exercisers, particularly in terms of psychological responses.
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