The Effect of Placebo on Physical and Motor Test Results in Fencing Players According to Chronological Age

Abstract

This study investigated the placebo effect on physical and motor performance tests in young fencers across different age groups. Using an experimental pretest-posttest design with two groups (total N=12, 6 per group), the research compared outcomes between younger fencers (mean age 13.66 years) and older fencers (mean age 15.66 years). Results revealed significant performance improvements following placebo administration in the younger, less experienced group across multiple tests including speed endurance, lunge accuracy, and balance measures. In contrast, the older, more experienced group showed no statistically significant placebo effects. These findings suggest that placebo responsiveness in fencing performance may decrease with athlete age and training experience. The study recommends strategic incorporation of placebo techniques in youth fencing training to enhance psychological readiness and performance, while cautioning against overuse to maintain effect potency. Placebo interventions appear most effective when selectively employed before major competitions rather than as routine training tools. These results contribute to understanding age-related differences in psychological performance enhancement within combat sports.