Placebo-Induced Changes in Excitatory and Inhibitory Corticospinal Circuits during Motor Performance
Open accessAbstract
Despite behavioral evidence showing placebo modulations of motor performance, the neurophysiological underpinnings of these effects are still unknown. By applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the primary motor cortex, we investigated whether a placebo modulation of force could change the excitability of the corticospinal system. Healthy human volunteers performed a motor task by pressing a piston as strongly as possible with the right index finger. Two experimental groups were instructed that treatment with peripheral low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied on the first dorsal interosseus would induce force enhancement. One experimental group was conditioned about the effects of TENS with a surreptitious amplification of the visual feedback signaling the force level. The other group, instead, was only verbally influenced, without conditioning. At the end of the instructive placebo procedure, the two experimental groups reached higher levels of force, believed that TENS had been effective and expected to perform better compared with two control groups, who were not influenced about TENS. Moreover, the experimental groups presented enhanced excitability of the corticospinal system in the muscle specifically involved in the task (first dorsal interosseus), as shown by increased amplitude of the motor evoked potentials and decreased duration of the cortical silent period (the latter only in the conditioned group). Crucially, the TMS pulse was delivered when all the subjects exerted the same amount of force, ruling out bottom-up influences. These findings hint at a top-down, cognitive enhancement of corticospinal excitability as a neural signature of placebo modulation of motor performance.
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Expectancies can influence performance through proactive effects on effort expenditure and on perception.
“For example, expectancies can influence performance through proactive effects on effort expenditure (Fiorio, Andani, Marotta, Classen, & Tinazzi, 2014;Hutchinson et al., 2008) and on perception (Abrams & Weidler, 2015;Chauvel et al., 2015;Piedimonte, Benedetti & Carlino, 2015;Witt, South, & Sugovic, 2014).”
From Optimizing performance through intrinsic motivation and attention for learning: The OPTIMAL theory of motor learning (2016) · cites this paper as Fiorio et al., 2014
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Cites
Perceived exertion as an indicator of somatic stress
Borg, G. (1970) · Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine · doi:10.2340/1650197719702239298 · Cited by 4,723 · see citing works
Spinal and Supraspinal Factors in Human Muscle Fatigue
Gandevia, S. C. (2001) · Physiological Reviews · doi:10.1152/physrev.2001.81.4.1725 · Cited by 3,659 · see citing works
Motor facilitation during action observation: a magnetic stimulation study
Fadiga, L., Fogassi, L., Pavesi, G., & Rizzolatti, G. (1995) · Journal of Neurophysiology · doi:10.1152/jn.1995.73.6.2608 · Cited by 2,297 · see citing works
Pavlovian conditioning: it's not what you think it is
Rescorla, R. A. (1988) · American Psychologist · doi:10.1037/0003-066x.43.3.151 · Cited by 1,542 · see citing works
Expectation and Dopamine Release: Mechanism of the Placebo Effect in Parkinson's Disease
de la Fuente‐Fernández, R., Ruth, T. J., Sossi, V., Schulzer, M., Calne, D. B., & Stoessl, A. J. (2001) · Science · doi:10.1126/science.1060937 · Cited by 991 · see citing works
Input-output properties and gain changes in the human corticospinal pathway
Devanne, H., Lavoie, B. A., & Capaday, C. (1997) · Experimental Brain Research · doi:10.1007/pl00005641 · Cited by 820 · see citing works
Benedetti, F., Pollo, A., Lopiano, L., Lanotte, M., Vighetti, S., & Rainero, I. (2003) · The Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1523/jneurosci.23-10-04315.2003 · Cited by 788 · see citing works
Silent period evoked by transcranial stimulation of the human cortex and cervicomedullary junction.
Inghilleri, M., Berardelli, A., Cruccu, G., & Manfredi, M. (1993) · The Journal of Physiology · doi:10.1113/jphysiol.1993.sp019732 · Cited by 785 · see citing works
Brasil-Neto, J. P., Cohen, L. G., Panizza, M. E., Nilsson, J., Roth, B. J., & Hallett, M. (1992) · PubMed · Cited by 567 · see citing works
Magnetic brain stimulation with a double coil: the importance of coil orientation
Mills, K. R., Boniface, S. J., & Schubert, M. (1992) · Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology/Evoked Potentials Section · doi:10.1016/0168-5597(92)90096-t · Cited by 516 · see citing works
Optimal Focal Transcranial Magnetic Activation of the Human Motor Cortex
Brasil-Neto, J. P., Cohen, L. G., Panizza, M. E., Nilsson, J., Roth, B. J., & Hallett, M. (1992) · Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology · doi:10.1097/00004691-199201000-00014 · Cited by 504 · see citing works
Unilateral intramuscular injections of acidic saline produce a bilateral, long-lasting hyperalgesia
Sluka, K. A., Kalra, A., & Moore, S. A. (2001) · Muscle & Nerve · doi:10.1002/1097-4598(200101)24:1 · Cited by 502 · see citing works
Classical conditioning and the placebo effect
Montgomery, G. H., & Kirsch, I. (1997) · Pain · doi:10.1016/s0304-3959(97)00016-x · Cited by 468 · see citing works
How prior experience shapes placebo analgesia
Colloca, L., & Benedetti, F. (2006) · Pain · doi:10.1016/j.pain.2006.04.005 · Cited by 443 · see citing works
Intracortical inhibition during volitional inhibition of prepared action
Coxon, J. P., Stinear, C. M., & Byblow, W. D. (2006) · Journal of Neurophysiology · doi:10.1152/jn.01334.2005 · Cited by 337 · see citing works
Rosenkranz, K., Kačar, A., & Rothwell, J. C. (2007) · Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1523/jneurosci.2663-07.2007 · Cited by 326 · see citing works
Effects of Expectation on Placebo-Induced Dopamine Release in Parkinson Disease
Lidstone, S. C., Schulzer, M., Dinelle, K., Mak, E., Sossi, V., Ruth, T. J., de la Fuente‐Fernández, R., Phillips, A. G., & Stoessl, A. J. (2010) · Archives of General Psychiatry · doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2010.88 · Cited by 325 · see citing works
Benedetti, F., Colloca, L., Torre, E., Lanotte, M., Melcarne, A., Pesare, M., Bergamasco, B., & Lopiano, L. (2004) · Nature Neuroscience · doi:10.1038/nn1250 · Cited by 303 · see citing works
The Placebo Effect in Sports Performance
Beedie, C., & FOAD, A. J. (2009) · Sports Medicine · doi:10.2165/00007256-200939040-00004 · Cited by 261 · see citing works
The sites of neural adaptation induced by resistance training in humans
Carroll, T. J., Riek, S. P., & Carson, R. G. (2002) · The Journal of Physiology · doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2002.024463 · Cited by 243 · see citing works
Changes in corticomotor representations induced by prolonged peripheral nerve stimulation in humans
Ridding, M. C., McKay, D. R., Thompson, P. D., & Miles, T. S. (2001) · Clinical Neurophysiology · doi:10.1016/s1388-2457(01)00592-2 · Cited by 240 · see citing works
Placebo Effects of Caffeine on Cycling Performance
Beedie, C., STUART, E. M., COLEMAN, D. A., & FOAD, A. J. (2006) · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000233805.56315.a9 · Cited by 210 · see citing works
Oliveri, M., Babiloni, C., Filippi, M. M., Caltagirone, C., Babiloni, F., Cicinelli, P., Traversa, R., Palmieri, M. G., & Rossini, P. M. (2003) · Experimental Brain Research · doi:10.1007/s00221-002-1346-8 · Cited by 200 · see citing works
Placebo effect of carbohydrate feedings during a 40-km cycling time trial
CLARK, V. R., Hopkins, W. G., Hawley, J. A., & Burke, L. M. (2000) · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · doi:10.1097/00005768-200009000-00019 · Cited by 190 · see citing works
Learning potentiates neurophysiological and behavioral placebo analgesic responses
Colloca, L., Tinazzi, M., Recchia, S., Le Pera, D., Fiaschi, A., Benedetti, F., & Valeriani, M. (2008) · Pain · doi:10.1016/j.pain.2008.04.021 · Cited by 180 · see citing works
Self-citationExpectation modulates the response to subthalamic nucleus stimulation in Parkinsonian patients
Pollo, A., Torre, E., Lopiano, L., Rizzone, M. G., Lanotte, M., Cavanna, A. E., Bergamasco, B., & Benedetti, F. (2002) · Neuroreport · doi:10.1097/00001756-200208070-00006 · Cited by 170 · see citing works
Effects of Somatosensory Stimulation on Motor Function After Subacute Stroke
Conforto, A. B., de Andrade, K. N. F., Tomasi, C., dos Santos, R. L., Moreira, V. L., Marie, S. K. N., Baltieri, S. C., Scaff, M., & Cohen, L. G. (2009) · Neurorehabilitation and neural repair · doi:10.1177/1545968309349946 · Cited by 158 · see citing works
Benedetti, F., Pollo, A., & Colloca, L. (2007) · Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1523/jneurosci.3330-07.2007 · Cited by 157 · see citing works
Säïsänen, L., Pirinen, E., Teitti, S., Könönen, M., Julkunen, P., Määttä, S., & Karhu, J. (2007) · Journal of Neuroscience Methods · doi:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2007.12.005 · Cited by 156 · see citing works
The top‐down influence of ergogenic placebos on muscle work and fatigue
Pollo, A., Carlino, E., & Benedetti, F. (2008) · European Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06344.x · Cited by 146 · see citing works
Tinazzi, M., Zarattini, S., Valeriani, M., Romito, S., Farina, S., Moretto, G., Smania, N., Fiaschi, A., & Abbruzzese, G. (2004) · Experimental Brain Research · doi:10.1007/s00221-004-2091-y · Cited by 143 · see citing works
Self-citationMercado, R., Constantoyannis, C., Mandat, T., Kumar, A., Schulzer, M., Stoessl, A., & Honey, C. R. (2006) · Movement Disorders · doi:10.1002/mds.20935 · Cited by 133 · see citing works
Taylor, J. L., Allen, G. M., Butler, J. E., & Gandevia, S. C. (1997) · Experimental Brain Research · doi:10.1007/s002210050243 · Cited by 131 · see citing works
Attention influences the excitability of cortical motor areas in healthy humans
Conte, A., Gilio, F., Iezzi, E., Frasca, V., Inghilleri, M., & Berardelli, A. (2007) · Experimental Brain Research · doi:10.1007/s00221-007-0975-3 · Cited by 118 · see citing works
Alaerts, K., Senot, P., Swinnen, S. P., Craighero, L., Wenderoth, N., & Fadiga, L. (2010) · European Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07124.x · Cited by 118 · see citing works
Duclay, J., Pasquet, B., Martin, A., & Duchateau, J. (2011) · The Journal of Physiology · doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2011.207472 · Cited by 116 · see citing works
Transcranial magnetic stimulation. Negative effects.
Hallett, M. (1995) · PubMed · Cited by 111 · see citing works
Expectancy Induces Dynamic Modulation of Corticospinal Excitability
van Elswijk, G., Kleine, B. U., Overeem, S., & Stegeman, D. F. (2007) · Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience · doi:10.1162/jocn.2007.19.1.121 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
Mima, T., Oga, T., Rothwell, J. C., Satow, T., Yamamoto, J., Toma, K., Fukuyama, H., Shibasaki, H., & Nagamine, T. (2003) · Neuroscience Letters · doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2003.10.045 · Cited by 86 · see citing works
Kischka, U., Fajfr, R., Fellenberg, T., & Hess, C. W. (1993) · Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology · doi:10.1097/00004691-199310000-00008 · Cited by 84 · see citing works
Influence of Reward on Corticospinal Excitability during Movement Preparation
Klein, P.-A., Olivier, E., & Duqué, J. (2012) · Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1523/jneurosci.1701-12.2012 · Cited by 82 · see citing works
Hasegawa, Y., Kasai, T., Tsuji, T., & Yahagi, S. (2001) · Experimental Brain Research · doi:10.1007/s002210100842 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
TENS for the treatment of writer’s cramp dystonia: A randomized, placebo-controlled study
Tinazzi, M., Farina, S., Bhatia, K. P., Fiaschi, A., Moretto, G., Bertolasi, L., Zarattini, S., & Smania, N. (2005) · Neurology · doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000163851.70927.7e · Cited by 64 · see citing works
Self-citationEffect of discharge desynchronization on the size of motor evoked potentials: an analysis
Rösler, K. M., Petrow, E., Mathis, J., Arányi, Z., Hess, C. W., & Magistris, M. R. (2002) · Clinical Neurophysiology · doi:10.1016/s1388-2457(02)00263-8 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Inhibitory phenomena in individual motor units induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation
Claßen, J., & Benecke, R. M. (1995) · Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology/Electromyography and Motor Control · doi:10.1016/0924-980x(95)00099-2 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
Keitel, A., Wojtecki, L., Hirschmann, J. V., Hartmann, C. J., Ferrea, S., Südmeyer, M., & Schnitzler, A. (2013) · Behavioural Brain Research · doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2013.04.051 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
The rewarding value of good motor performance in the context of monetary incentives
Lutz, K., Pedroni, A., Nadig, K., Luechinger, R., & Jäncke, L. (2012) · Neuropsychologia · doi:10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2012.03.030 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Wolters, A., Ziemann, U., & Benecke, R. (2012) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198568926.013.0010 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Origin of the low-level EMG during the silent period following transcranial magnetic stimulation
Butler, J. E., Petersen, N., Herbert, R., Gandevia, S. C., & Taylor, J. L. (2011) · Clinical Neurophysiology · doi:10.1016/j.clinph.2011.11.034 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
The size of motor-evoked potentials: influencing parameters and quantification
Rösler, K. M., & Magistris, M. R. (2012) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198568926.013.0009 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
The Effects of Load and Training Pattern on Acute Neuromuscular Responses in the Upper Body
ROBBINS, D. W., Goodale, T. L., Docherty, D., Behm, D. G., & Tran, Q. T. (2010) · The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · doi:10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181f67474 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Protracted Exercise Without Overt Neuromuscular Fatigue Influences Cortical Excitability
Crupi, D., Cruciata, G., Moisello, C., Green, P. A., Naro, A., Ricciardi, L., Perfetti, B., Bove, M., Avanzino, L., Rocco, A. D., et al. (2013) · Journal of Motor Behavior · doi:10.1080/00222895.2012.760514 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
The Placebo Effect on Exercise Performance
Foster, C., Felker, H., Porcari, J. P., Mikat, R. P., & Seebach, E. E. (2004) · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · doi:10.1097/00005768-200405001-00817 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Wulf, G., & Lewthwaite, R. (2016) · Psychonomic Bulletin & Review · doi:10.3758/s13423-015-0999-9 · Cited by 1,238 · see citing works
Enhance placebo, avoid nocebo: How contextual factors affect physiotherapy outcomes
Testa, M., & Rossettini, G. (2016) · Manual Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.math.2016.04.006 · Cited by 259 · see citing works
The Placebo and Nocebo effect on sports performance: A systematic review
Hurst, P., Schiphof‐Godart, L., Szabó, A., Raglin, J. S., Hettinga, F. J., Roelands, B., Lane, A. M., Foad, A., Coleman, D. A., & Beedie, C. (2019) · European Journal of Sport Science · doi:10.1080/17461391.2019.1655098 · Cited by 167 · see citing works
Optimizing motivation and attention for motor performance and learning
Lewthwaite, R., & Wulf, G. (2017) · Current Opinion in Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.04.005 · Cited by 137 · see citing works
The Role of Expectation and Beliefs on the Effects of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation
Braga, M., Barbiani, D., Andani, M. E., Villa‐Sánchez, B., Tinazzi, M., & Fiorio, M. (2021) · Brain Sciences · doi:10.3390/brainsci11111526 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Self-citationPlacebo and nocebo effects across symptoms: from pain to fatigue, dyspnea, nausea, and itch
Wolters, F., Peerdeman, K. J., & Evers, A. W. M. (2019) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00470 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Piedimonte, A., Benedetti, F., & Carlino, E. (2015) · European Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1111/ejn.12806 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Evidence for Cognitive Placebo and Nocebo Effects in Healthy Individuals
Turi, Z., Bjørkedal, E., Gunkel, L., Antal, A., Paulus, W., & Mittner, M. (2018) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-018-35124-w · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Is sham cTBS real cTBS? The effect on EEG dynamics
Opitz, A., Legon, W., Mueller, J., Barbour, A. J., Paulus, W., & Tyler, W. J. (2015) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2014.01043 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
Functional neurological disorder and placebo and nocebo effects: shared mechanisms
Fiorio, M., Braga, M., Marotta, A., Villa‐Sánchez, B., Edwards, M. J., Tinazzi, M., & Barbiani, D. (2022) · Nature Reviews Neurology · doi:10.1038/s41582-022-00711-z · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Self-citationCorsi, N., Emadi Andani, M., Tinazzi, M., & Fiorio, M. (2016) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/srep30671 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
“The motor task consisted in abduction movements of the right index finger against a piston connected to a force transducer (DS BC302) 5,35 .”
Self-citationContextually Aided Recovery (CARe): a scientific theory for innate healing
Newell, D., Lothe, L. R., & Raven, T. J. L. (2017) · Chiropractic & Manual Therapies · doi:10.1186/s12998-017-0137-z · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Pires, F. O., dos Anjos, C. A. S., Covolan, R. J. M., Fontes, E. B., Noakes, T. D., Gibson, A. S. C., Magalhães, F. H., & Ugrinowitsch, C. (2018) · Frontiers in Physiology · doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01144 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Anatomo-Functional Origins of the Cortical Silent Period: Spotlight on the Basal Ganglia
Zeugin, D., & Ionta, S. (2021) · Brain Sciences · doi:10.3390/brainsci11060705 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Placebo treatment facilitates social trust and approach behavior
Yan, X., Yong, X., Huang, W., & Ma, Y. (2018) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.1800779115 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Beedie, C., Benedetti, F., Barbiani, D., Camerone, E. M., Lindheimer, J. B., & Roelands, B. (2019) · European Journal of Sport Science · doi:10.1080/17461391.2019.1675765 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
van Midden, V. M., Demšar, J., Pirtošek, Z., & Kojović, M. (2023) · European Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1111/ejn.16004 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Modulation of Inhibitory Corticospinal Circuits Induced by a Nocebo Procedure in Motor Performance
Andani, M. E., Tinazzi, M., Corsi, N., & Fiorio, M. (2015) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0125223 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Self-citationRossettini, G., Andani, M. E., Negra, F. D., Testa, M., Tinazzi, M., & Fiorio, M. (2018) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-018-30228-9 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Self-citationde Souza, H. L. R., de Oliveira, G. T., Meireles, A. A. F. D. M., dos Santos, M. H. P., Vieira, J. G., Arriel, R. A., Patterson, S. D., & Marocolo, M. (2024) · Journal of sport and health science/Journal of Sport and Health Science · doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2024.101010 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Broelz, E. K., Enck, P., Niess, A. M., Schneeweiß, P., Wolf, S., & Weimer, K. (2019) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-019-38828-9 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
When words hurt: Verbal suggestion prevails over conditioning in inducing the motor nocebo effect
Corsi, N., Andani, M. E., Sometti, D., Tinazzi, M., & Fiorio, M. (2019) · European Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1111/ejn.14489 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Self-citationPlacebo effects: From pain to motor performance
Carlino, E., Guerra, G., & Piedimonte, A. (2016) · Neuroscience Letters · doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2016.08.046 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Caffeine effects on VO 2 max test outcomes investigated by a placebo perceived-as-caffeine design
Brietzke, C., Asano, R. Y., de Lima, F. D. R., Pinheiro, F. A., Franco‐Alvarenga, P. E., Ugrinowitsch, C., & Pires, F. O. (2017) · Nutrition and Health · doi:10.1177/0260106017723547 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Premi, E., Benussi, A., Gatta, A. L., Visconti, S., Costa, A., Gilberti, N., Cantoni, V., Padovani, A., Borroni, B., & Magoni, M. (2018) · BMC Neuroscience · doi:10.1186/s12868-018-0434-z · Cited by 30 · see citing works
The effects of placebos and nocebos on physical performance
Carlino, E., Piedimonte, A., & Frisaldi, E. (2014) · Handbook of experimental pharmacology · doi:10.1007/978-3-662-44519-8_9 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Autonomy enhances running efficiency
Iwatsuki, T., Navalta, J. W., & Wulf, G. (2018) · Journal of Sports Sciences · doi:10.1080/02640414.2018.1522939 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Nocebo Effects on Muscular Performance – An Experimental Study About Clinical Situations
Zech, N., Seemann, M., Grzesiek, M., Breu, A., Seyfried, T., & Hansen, E. (2019) · Frontiers in Pharmacology · doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.00219 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Dileone, M., Carrasco-López, C., Segundo-Rodriguez, J. C., Mordillo‐Mateos, L., López-Ariztegui, N., Alonso‐Frech, F., Catalán‐Alonso, M. J., Obeso, J. A., Oliviero, A., & Foffani, G. (2017) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-017-04254-y · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Modulation of the Motor System by Placebo and Nocebo Effects.
Fiorio, M. (2018) · International review of neurobiology · doi:10.1016/bs.irn.2018.07.012 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Self-citationThe interplay of exercise, placebo and nocebo effects on experimental pain
Colloca, L., Corsi, N., & Fiorio, M. (2018) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-018-32974-2 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Self-citationPositive verbal suggestion optimizes postural control
Villa‐Sánchez, B., Andani, M. E., Menegaldo, G., Tinazzi, M., & Fiorio, M. (2019) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-019-42888-2 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Self-citationMore bang for the buck: autonomy support increases muscular efficiency
Iwatsuki, T., Shih, H., Abdollahipour, R., & Wulf, G. (2019) · Psychological Research · doi:10.1007/s00426-019-01243-w · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Effectively optimizing esports performance through movement science principles
Iwatsuki, T., Hagiwara, G., & Dugan, M. E. (2021) · International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching · doi:10.1177/17479541211016927 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
The effect of motor and cognitive placebos on the serial reaction time task
Villa‐Sánchez, B., Andani, M. E., Cesari, P., & Fiorio, M. (2021) · European Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1111/ejn.15148 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Self-citationThe reward for placebos: mechanisms underpinning placebo-induced effects on motor performance
Brietzke, C., Cesario, J., Hettinga, F. J., & Pires, F. O. (2022) · European Journal of Applied Physiology · doi:10.1007/s00421-022-05029-8 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
The role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the motor placebo effect
Villa‐Sánchez, B., Andani, M. E., & Fiorio, M. (2018) · European Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1111/ejn.14217 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Self-citationNocebo effects on motor performance: A systematic literature review
Horváth, Á., Köteles, F. G., & Szabó, A. (2021) · Scandinavian Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1111/sjop.12753 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Russell, K., Duncan, M. J., Price, M., Mosewich, A. D., Ellmers, T. J., & Hill, M. W. (2022) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2022.967722 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
The effects of being told you are in the intervention group on training results: a pilot study
Lindberg, K., Bjørnsen, T., Vårvik, F. T., Paulsen, G., Joensen, M., Kristoffersen, M., Sveen, O., Gundersen, H. S., Slettaløkken, G., Brankovic, R., et al. (2023) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-023-29141-7 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Functional brain anatomy of exercise regulation
Lutz, K. (2018) · Progress in brain research · doi:10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.07.006 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Vera, J., Redondo, B., Ocaso, E., Martinez‐Guillorme, S., Molina, R., & Jiménez, R. (2022) · Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics · doi:10.1111/opo.13036 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Placebo effect on gait: a way to reduce the dual-task cost in older adults
Villa‐Sánchez, B., Gandolfi, M., Andani, M. E., Valè, N., Rossettini, G., Polesana, F., Menaspà, Z., Smania, N., Tinazzi, M., & Fiorio, M. (2023) · Experimental Brain Research · doi:10.1007/s00221-023-06620-x · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Self-citationVisual placebo and nocebo effects
Piedimonte, A., Volpino, V., Campaci, F., Deplano, M., Borghesi, F., Pollo, A., & Carlino, E. (2024) · The Journal of Physiology · doi:10.1113/jp287222 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Skvortsova, A., Rodrigues, T. C., de Buisonjé, D. R., Kowatsch, T., Santhanam, P., Veldhuijzen, D. S., van Middendorp, H., & Evers, A. W. M. (2021) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/32130 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Nandi, T., Lewthwaite, R., Fisher, B. E., & Salem, G. J. (2019) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.04.004 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
The placebo effect shortens movement time in goal-directed movements
Fiorio, M., Villa‐Sánchez, B., Rossignati, F., & Andani, M. E. (2022) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-022-23489-y · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Self-citationMcDougall, J., Cragg, J. J., Brownstone, R. M., & Kramer, J. L. K. (2025) · Neurorehabilitation and neural repair · doi:10.1177/15459683251335331 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Gambino, G., Brighina, F., Allegra, M., Marrale, M., Collura, G., Gagliardo, C., Attanzio, A., Tesoriere, L., Majo, D. D., Ferraro, G., et al. (2022) · Nutrients · doi:10.3390/nu14224915 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Preserving the placebo effect after disclosure: A new perspective on non‐deceptive placebos
Andani, M. E., Barbiani, D., Bonetto, M., Menegaldo, R., Villa‐Sánchez, B., & Fiorio, M. (2024) · British Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjop.12696 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Self-citationEvidence for Cognitive Placebo and Nocebo Effects in Healthy IndividualsPreprint
Turi, Z., Bjørkedal, E., Gunkel, L., Antal, A., Paulus, W., & Mittner, M. (2018) · doi:10.31234/osf.io/87kea · Cited by 5 · see citing works
The placebo effect in breath holding: a preliminary behavioral investigation
Piedimonte, A., Barbiani, D., Benedetti, F., Zamfira, D. A., & Carlino, E. (2020) · Neuroscience Letters · doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135434 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Functional neurological disorder in multiple sclerosis: A prospective study.
Cuoco, S., Scannapieco, S., Barra, F., Giordano, C., Gregorio, M. D. D., Barone, P., & Erro, R. (2025) · Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.msard.2025.106264 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Guest, J. D., & Moritz, C. T. (2026) · Spinal Cord · doi:10.1038/s41393-026-01190-5 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Andani, M. E., Braga, M., Dalt, F. D., Piedimonte, A., Carlino, E., & Fiorio, M. (2025) · Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience · doi:10.1093/scan/nsaf014 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Self-citationUsing the Placebo Effect to Isolate Control Mechanisms of Athletic Performance: A Research Protocol
Broelz, E. K., Enck, P., Niess, A. M., Schneeweiß, P., & Weimer, K. (2015) · Sports and Exercise Medicine - Open Journal · doi:10.17140/semoj-1-109 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
de Souza, H. L. R., Hurst, P., de Oliveira, G. T., Meireles, A. A. F. D. M., Arriel, R. A., Hohl, R., Garcia, M. A. C., & Marocolo, M. (2025) · International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance · doi:10.1123/ijspp.2024-0217 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Placebo and Nocebo Effects in Motor Performance: An Overview of Reviews
Brietzke, C., Ribeiro, W. A., Franco‐Alvarenga, P. E., Canestri, R., Vínicius, Ì., Vasconcelos, G. H. D. F., Cesario, J., Carvas, N., Painelli, V. D. S., & Pires, F. O. (2025) · Brain and Behavior · doi:10.1002/brb3.70534 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Standardizing ischemic preconditioning research in applied exercise physiology
Marocolo, M., Hohl, R., Wilk, M., da Mota, G. R., & Souza, H. L. R. (2026) · European Journal of Applied Physiology · doi:10.1007/s00421-026-06226-5 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Apparent increase in lip size influences two-point discrimination
Ambron, E., & Coslett, H. B. (2023) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-023-30067-3 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Placebo-induced changes in behavioural parameters during gait: a pilot study
Andani, M. E., Mahdavi, A., Bahrami, F., & Fiorio, M. (2015) · National and International Iranian Conference on Biomedical Engineering (ICBME) · doi:10.1109/icbme.2015.7404166 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Self-citationApparent increase in lip size is linked to tactile discrimination improvementPreprint
Ambron, E., & Coslett, H. B. (2019) · bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · doi:10.1101/855296
Optimization of Motor Performance
Chua, L.-K. (2020) · Digital Scholarship - UNLV (University of Nevada Reno) · doi:10.34917/16076256
Physical and cognitive performance
Benedetti, F. (2020) · doi:10.1093/oso/9780198843177.003.0019
Could placebo or nocebo effect influence implicit motor learning?Preprint
Avanzino, L., Cosentino, C., Mezzarobba, S., Bonassi, G., Putzolu, M., Ravizzotti, E., Botta, A., Terranova, S., Cecchella, M., Fiorio, M., et al. (2024) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-3930561/v1
Self-citationBisio, A., Panascì, M., Ferrando, V., Albergoni, A., Ruggeri, P., & Faelli, E. L. (2024) · Psychology of sport and exercise · doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102633 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Crawford, L. S. (2024) · The Journal of Physiology · doi:10.1113/jp287678
The motor system and motor disorders
Fiorio, M., Lozzi, I., Tinazzi, M., & Braga, M. (2025) · Handbook of clinical neurology · doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-29884-4.00012-1
Self-citationVolpino, V., Navarra, M. E., Scarpina, F., Piedimonte, A., Scacchi, M., Bianchi, L., Mauro, A., & Carlino, E. (2025) · Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity · doi:10.1007/s40519-025-01794-5
Utilizing force and displacement in unnatural index finger movements for authentication
Sharifi, F., Moshayedi, A. J., Fouladirad, M., Kolahdooz, A., & Andani, M. E. (2026) · International Journal for Simulation and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization · doi:10.1051/smdo/2026002
- Authors
- Fiorio, M., Emadi Andani, M., Marotta, A., Classen, J., & Tinazzi, M.
- Affiliations
- University of Verona (IT)
- Leipzig University (DE)
- Venue
- The Journal of Neuroscience
- Publisher
- Society for Neuroscience
- Published
- 2014-03-12
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 3993-4005
- ISSN
- 0270-6474 (ISSN-L)
- 1529-2401
- PMC
- PMC6705272
- OpenAlex
- W2068131723
- Cited by
- 70
- References
- 53
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 2
- FWCI
- 2.42
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Neuroscience (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Pain Management and Placebo Effect
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Motor Control and Adaptation
- Keywords
- placebo effect, motor performance, corticospinal excitability, primary motor cortex, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, motor evoked potentials, cortical silent period, top-down cognitive control, force enhancement, first dorsal interosseous muscle, transcranial magnetic stimulation
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Cognition, Efferent Pathways, Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation, Female, Humans, Male, Models, Biological, Motor Cortex, Neural Inhibition, Psychomotor Performance, Pyramidal Tracts, Placebo Effect, Evoked Potentials, Motor, Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials, Young Adult, Healthy Volunteers
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
