Abstract
The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of deep-sea water thalassotherapy (DSWTT) on recovery from fatigue and muscle damage. The same exercise program is conducted in general underwater and deep-sea water to confirm the characteristics of deep-sea water through fatigue recovery and muscle damage enzymes. A total of 30 male college students were studied, including 10 belonging to the control group (CG), 10 in the water exercise group (WEG), and 10 in the deep-sea water exercise group (DSWEG). The DSWTT treatment consists of three components—preheating, treatment, and cooling—and the DSWTT program stretches and massages the entire upper body, lower body, back, and the entire body for a total of 25 min in a deep-sea tank. After the DSWTT program, blood tests were conducted to confirm the level of fatigue-related parameters and muscle damage enzymes. Fatigue-related parameters including glucose, lactate, ammonia, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the levels of muscle damage enzymes such as creatinine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. The results revealed that fatigue had a primary effect (p < 0.001) and exhibited strongly significant interaction (p < 0.001) with lactate, ammonia, and LDH levels, whereas the glucose level remained unchanged. The post hoc results showed a significant decrease in these parameters among DSWEG compared to CG and WEG (p < 0.01). Muscle damage enzymes showed a main effect (p < 0.001) and significant interaction (p < 0.001) with CK and AST (p < 0.001). The post hoc results showed a significant decrease in DSWEG compared with CG and WEG (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the DSWTT program applied to this study showed significant effects on muscle fatigue and muscle damage recovery. When the DSWTT program is applied in hot springs, it can have a positive effect on muscle fatigue and muscle damage recovery and can contribute to improving national health and quality of life. Further studies are needed to investigate DSWTT programs with various research subjects at different program temperatures, exercise times, and frequencies of treatment and exercise.
Highlights
In recent years, both men and women have become interested in effective physical activity and healing while pursuing a healthy life
Subjects with a history of neurosurgical and orthopedic issues within 6 months of the measurement date were excluded from the study if they were associated with musculoskeletal problems interfering with the water treatment and deep-sea water thalassotherapy (DSWTT) programs
This study demonstrates that fatigue and muscle damage are induced by a shuttle run test, and following the DSWTT program, the deep-sea water exercise group (DSWEG) showed a significant decrease in lactate, ammonia, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine kinase (CK), and AST compared to water exercise group (WEG) and control group (CG)
Summary
Both men and women have become interested in effective physical activity and healing while pursuing a healthy life. Fatigue and muscle damage caused by physical and mental activity are common early symptoms of many diseases [4]. Fatigue is triggered by a peripheral signal from the brain, which inhibits the motor system, and thereby the mobilization of exercise units, and it is controlled by accumulation of metabolites or energy depletion [7]. The accumulation of these fatigue substances is important to prevent exercise-related injuries caused by fatigue, depending on the intensity, time, shape, and environment [8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
