The Claim
In competitive powerlifters, the belief in receiving anabolic steroids—when actually receiving a placebo—is associated with significant improvements in strength training performance, indicating that psychological expectancy can enhance physical performance independent of pharmacological agents.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
If powerlifters think they're taking steroids—even when they're just getting a fake pill—they might still get stronger, just because their mind expects it to work.
See the scientific wording
Belief in receiving anabolic steroids, when administered via placebo, is associated with notable improvements in strength training performance among competitive power lifters, suggesting that psychological expectancy can enhance physical performance even in the absence of pharmacological intervention.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Expectancy effects and strength training: do steroids make a difference?
The study showed that power lifters got stronger when they thought they were taking steroids—even though they were only taking a fake pill. When they found out it was fake, their performance gains went away.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.