I was honoured that Dr. Bill Sands took the time to state his opinion on the placebo effect. That was in the comments on this post — Doc Ali on mental toughness
Bill Sands:
There is some argument as to whether or not placebo effects are real. …
… I do not think there is a placebo effect. Period. None. Zip. Zero. Nada. Zilch. …
… Which makes sense to my reductionist materialistic way of thinking: why would actively doing nothing have any measurable physiologic effect? It shouldn’t and it doesn’t. Mind over matter? Bah, humbug. …
Bill is no beat-around-the-busher.
If interested, or if you want to respond, read Dr. Sand’s entire long comment including references here. It’s not easy to argue with Bill, be warned.
Bill does concede that placebos sometimes seem to work, especially when data is subjective and when pain is rated. So don’t completely rule out placebo as a modality, but don’t claim sugar pills cure AIDS, either.
Dr Sands takes on a new position at the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in Colorado Springs starting 15 December 2011. Congratulations.
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