Sauna Use Research Articles

The Impact of Sauna on Health

This review examines the health implications of regular sauna use, a tradition deeply rooted in Finnish culture now gaining global interest for its potential health benefits. It consolidates findings from various scientific studies, emphasizing the physiological and health impacts of traditional sauna practices on cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and overall mortality. The review highlights the positive cardiovascular outcomes associated with regular sauna use, such as reduced risks of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and sudden cardiac death, attributing these benefits to improved endothelial function, decreased arterial stiffness, and positive changes in blood pressure. Additionally, sauna bathing is shown to offer mental health benefits by reducing stress, depression, anxiety levels, and possibly lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. Despite the substantial benefits, the review also acknowledges potential risks, especially for individuals with specific health conditions, underscoring the importance of hydration and caution against alcohol consumption before sauna sessions. Conclusively, the evidence supports the integration of sauna bathing into health promotion strategies, with a call for further research to explore the mechanisms underlying its health benefits and to develop guidelines for optimizing these benefits while minimizing risks. Sauna bathing emerges as a promising, non-invasive approach to enhancing overall health and well-being, warranting its consideration in complementary health practices.

SAUNA TRADISIONAL FINLANDIA DENGAN TINGKAT STRES PADA PRA LANSIA DAN LANSIA

Stress is a person's reaction, both physically and emotionally, that happens when there are changes in the environment that needed adjustment from that person. All ages, including the elderly, can suffer from stress. Several methods can be used to reduce stress, one of which is using a sauna. This study aims to assess the relationship between the use of traditional Finnish saunas and stress levels in pre-elderly and elderly. This study used an observational analytic method using a cross-sectional design study. The number of subjects required in this study is 87 respondents. Sampling was taken by consecutive non-random sampling, and data were collected using questionnaire regarding characteristics of the respondents in the use of saunas and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to measure the stress level. Bivariate analysis in this study is done using SPSS program with a significance level of p<0.05. Based on the results of the chi-square test it can be concluded that there was a statistically significant relationship between type of sauna and stress levels (p = 0.016), there was a statistically significant relationship between duration of sauna and stress level (p=0.01), and there was a statistically significant relationship between frequency of sauna usage and stress level (p = 0.015). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant relationship between the type of sauna, duration of sauna, and the frequency of sauna usage with stress levels in pre-elderly and elderly

The influence of extreme thermal stress on the physiological and psychological characteristics of young women who sporadically use the sauna: practical implications for the safe use of the sauna.

Many individuals who use the sauna at a temperature of 120°C of higher are not aware of the negative consequences of extreme thermal stress. Despite extensive research into sauna use, the impact of extreme thermal stress on the physiological and psychological characteristics of sauna users have not been examined to date. The aim was to determine the effect of 20 min sauna sessions with a temperature of 80°C and 120°C on the physiological and psychological characteristics of women who sporadically visit the sauna. The study was conducted on 22 full-time female university students. Physical activity (PA) levels were evaluated with the Polish short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Anthropometric characteristics were measured before the first sauna session by the InBody270 body composition analyzer. Physiological parameters, including heart, energy expenditure, physical effort, and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure - SBP, and diastolic blood pressure - DBP), were assessed indirectly using Polar V800 heart rate monitors and the Omron M6 Comfort blood pressure monitor. The participants' wellbeing was assessed with the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. The presence of significant correlations between heat exhaustion and heat stress variables and syncope during the second sauna session was examined with the use of classification and regression trees (CRT) and the cross-validation technique. Twenty-minute sauna sessions with a temperature of 80°C and 120°C induced a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the values of SBP (excluding the temperature of 120°C), DBP, and body mass, as well as a significant increase in HR and forehead temperature. Exposure to a temperature of 80°C led to a significant (p < 0.001) increase in vigor with a simultaneous decrease in tension, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion. In turn, sauna bathing at a temperature of 120°C had an opposite effect on the above mood parameters. Vomiting and confusion were the main predictors of syncope that occurred in some of the surveyed women. Excessive air temperature can induce symptoms characteristic of heat exhaustion and heat stress nausea, heavy sweating, fast weak or strong HR, high body temperature, and confusion. Therefore, sauna bathing at a temperature of 80°C can be recommended to women who sporadically use the sauna, whereas exposure to a temperature of 120°C is not advised in this group of sauna users. The present findings provide highly valuable inputs for managing wellness and SPA centers.

Divers recovery methods during the competitive period

Background and purpose. Due to the high loads of skilled underwater swimmers during the competitive period, the use of recovery means to improve the functional capabilities of athletes is of particular importance. Purpose: To experimentally test the recovery methodology in the competitive period of swimmers specialising in bilast and monolast swimming based on the use of sauna, taping and massage. Material and Methods: 10 diving swimmers aged 18-20 years (males), who have the title of master of sports, who train in the swimming pool "Kupava", Brovary. The experiment was conducted from January to May 2023. Swimmers were divided into two groups depending on their specialisation: swimming with a monolast and swimming with a bilast. Methods: theoretical analysis of scientific literature, testing of "Surface Flipper Swimming (SF)", "Bi-flipper Swimming (BF)" at distances of 50 metres during the competition period. Results: As a result of the experiment, athletes specialising in swimming with a monofin significantly reduced the time of swimming the distance (p&lt;0.05) in the test "Surface Flipper Swimming (SF)", as a result of testing "Breathless Swimming (BF)", a significant improvement in the results of athletes was not revealed. The presented method allows to significantly improve the functional state of the neuromuscular apparatus, preparing the swimmers' organism for repeated physical loads, because the cyclic muscular activity in swimming in fins makes particularly high demands on the cardiovascular system, and special performance clearly correlates with the characteristic of functional abilities of the heart of qualified athletes Conclusions. The results of the study confirmed the effectiveness of the use of combined methods of recovery in the competitive process of qualified scuba divers, based on the use of sauna, massage, taping.

Sauna use as an activity leading to a reduction in modifiable risk factors for the development of hypertension - a systematic review

Background: Hypertension prevalence is disturbingly increasing all over the world. Clinicians and patients are looking for new pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological methods to help fight too-high blood pressure. Aim of this study: The aim of this study is to present the current scientific literature on the potential that sauna bathing may help lower blood pressure, but additional data are needed to confirm these findings. Material and methods: A systematic review of the scientific and medical literature from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was carried out. This was achieved according to the keywords: hypertension, sauna and sauna bathing. Items of literature were qualified for analysis. State of knowledge: Using the sauna is a pleasant way to spend time, and additionally it can have an impact on lowering blood pressure. During a sauna session, the superficial vessels dilate, which leads to a short-term decrease in blood pressure. And long-term, more frequent sauna use leads to a reduced risk of hypertension. Using the sauna enhances the effect of pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological methods of fighting hypertension, such as physical activity and a healthy, balanced diet. Most of the research on the above topic was conducted in Finland, where its use has a centuries-old tradition. Summary: Using the sauna has an impact on lowering blood pressure values, thanks to which it can support the treatment of hypertension. Sauna use may be an interesting way to lower blood pressure values in physically disabled people. More studies conducted on larger groups of patients and the influence of other factors on blood pressure values are needed to make more accurate recommendations.

Finnish Sauna Bathing and Vascular Health of Adults with Coronary Artery Disease: a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Regular Finnish sauna use has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality. However, physiological mechanisms underlying this association remain unknown. Other forms of heat therapy have been shown to improve markers of vascular health in healthy young adults, middle-aged adults with cardiovascular risk factors, and older adults with chronic heart failure. It is unknown if Finnish sauna use elicits similar adaptations. HYPOTHESIS: This study determined if Finnish sauna bathing improves markers of vascular health in adults with coronary artery disease (CAD). We tested the primary hypothesis that 8 weeks of Finish sauna bathing improves peripheral endothelial function. Secondary hypotheses were that Finish sauna bathing improves peripheral microvascular function, central arterial stiffness and blood pressure. METHODS: Forty-one adults (62 ± 6 years, 29.0 ± 4.3 kg/m2, 33 men/8 women) with stable CAD and na&amp;iuml;ve to heat therapy were randomized to 8 weeks of Finnish sauna use (n=21, 4 sessions/week, 20-30 min/session) or control intervention (lifestyle maintenance, n=20). Peripheral endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, FMD), central arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity), total (area under the curve) and peak post-occlusion forearm reactive hyperemia, and blood pressure (automated auscultation) were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Brachial artery FMD changed from 4.09 ± 2.05% to 4.24 ± 2.70% in response to sauna bathing and from 4.00 ± 2.02% to 4.10 ± 2.10% in response to the control intervention (p for interaction = 0.95). The change in central arterial stiffness (p for interaction = 0.82), total reactive hyperemia (p for interaction = 0.07), systolic (p for interaction = 0.95) and diastolic (p for interaction = 0.29) blood pressure also did not differ between interventions. The change in peak reactive hyperemia differed between interventions (p for interaction = 0.05) due to a slight decrease in response to sauna bathing (3.03 ± 1.42 to 2.75 ± 1.18 ml/min/mmHg, p=0.76) relative to a slight increase in response to control (2.78 ± 0.98 to 3.24 ± 1.00 ml/min/mmHg, p=0.05). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that 4 sessions of Finnish sauna bathing per week for 8 weeks does not improve markers of vascular health in older adults with stable CAD. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Santé This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Mental status is significantly associated with low back pain: a survey-based cross-sectional study among Japanese women

ObjectiveLow back pain (LBP) is a highly prevalent condition that poses significant patient burden. This cross-sectional study identified factors associated with LBP occurrence and developed a strategy to identify, prevent, and reduce LBP-related burden on patient health. A web-based questionnaire-answering system was used to assess the potential effects of LBP on mental health, assessing five domains (physical features, demographics, lifestyle, diet, and mental status) conceptually associated with hie, a common disease state traditionally described in the Japanese culture as a chilly sensation.ResultsOf 1000 women, 354 had and 646 did not have LBP. The Chi test identified 21 factors, and subsequent multivariate logistic regression indicated eight factors significantly associated with LBP: age, history of physician consultation regarding anemia, history of analgesic agents, dietary limitations, nocturia, sauna use, hie, and fatigue. Furthermore, women with LBP exhibited a significantly lower body temperature (BT) in the axilla/on the forehead than women without LBP. LBP and hie are subjective and potentially affected by patient mental status. Stress reduces blood circulation, causing hypothermia and possibly worsening LBP. Therefore, mental-health support is important for patients with LBP to reduce physiological stress. Hyperthermia therapy, a traditionally prescribed intervention, is a potential intervention for future studies.

Sauna Bathing as an Alternative Adjunct Therapy in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Health Conditions Including Cardiovascular Disease, Neurodegenerative Disease, Metabolic Disease, and Mental Health Disorders

Sauna bathing is a time-efficient, cost-effective health modality that has the potential to mimic the heat thermogenesis and cardiovascular effects of exercise. In recent years, researchers have been able to measure the benefits of sauna on human performance, endurance, and cardiovascular health. While many studies have investigated sauna use and its effect on athletic performance, fewer studies have investigated the use of sauna as a medical treatment for chronic health conditions. This review compiles the proven effects of sauna on human physiology and investigates its applications in the treatment of patients with chronic disease. Sauna use appears to be safe in most patient populations and is shown to be both tolerable and effective in patient populations with cardiovascular disease and late stages of congestive heart failure. Multiple cardiovascular benefits were demonstrated in the review including improved perfusion in peripheral arterial disease, decreased ventricular arrhythmias, 51% reduced annual cardiovascular mortality and 47% reduced annual risk of developing hypertension in men using the sauna 4-7 times per week. Finnish cohort studies have additionally exhibited reductions in lifetime annual risk of dementia by 66% in men using the sauna 4-7 times per week. It is suggested that increased heat shock protein expression through heat exposure may be responsible for the neuroprotective benefits of lifetime sauna use. Sauna has also displayed benefits in metabolic disease by reducing hemoglobin A1C and aiding heat acclimation in diabetics through improved thermoregulation. In mental health research, sauna use has shown potential in the treatment of depression by improving objective depression scores. Another study exhibited that sauna use was able to increase appetite in patients with severe depression and coexisting appetite suppression. Additionally, in cohort studies sauna is shown to be correlated to reduced annual risk of developing psychosis across the lifespan. By compiling and reviewing the current research on sauna bathing, education and guidance are provided to medical providers regarding the potential use of sauna as a treatment adjunct for patients with various conditions including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, metabolic disease, and mental health disorders.

Effect of water filtration infrared-A (wIRA) sauna on inorganic ions excreted through sweat from the human body.

Sweat discharged as a result of exposure to sauna plays an important role in removing inorganic ions accumulated in the body, including heavy metals. In this study, inorganic ions (toxic and nutrient elements) excreted in the form of sweat from the body using a water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) sauna were determined using inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry. The analyzed elements included eight toxic elements (Al, As, Be, Cd, Ni, Pb, Ti, and Hg) and 10 nutrient elements (Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Se, V, and Zn), and their correlations were determined. Analysis of the sweat obtained from 22 people using the wIRA sauna showed a higher inorganic ion concentration than that obtained from conventional activities, such as exercise or the use of wet sauna, and the concentration of toxic elements in sweat was higher in females than in males. Correlation analysis of the ions revealed a correlation between the discharge of toxic elements, such as As, Be, Cd, and Ni, and discharge of Se and V, and Ni was only correlated with Mn. This study provides fundamental information on nutritional element supplementation when using wIRA sauna for detoxification.

Portable sauna stimulated-diaphoresis for the treatment of fluid-overload in peritoneal dialysis patients: A pilot study

BackgroundFluid overload (FO) is a common problem in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD), it is associated with adverse outcomes and may persist despite adjustements in PD therapy.ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and safety of stimulated diaphoresis to reduce FO with the use of a portable sauna bath.MethodsOpen-label pilot study in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and FO. The primary outcome was the treatment-related adverse events; secondary outcomes were changes in over-hydration (OH), body weight and blood pressure, FO symptoms, and sleep quality. Dialysis prescription and daily data were recorded. The intervention period consisted in a 30-min, 45°C sauna bath, daily for 10 days, using a portable sauna bath.ResultsFifty-one out of 54 total sauna bath sessions were well tolerated. In three (5.5%) sessions adverse effects were reported: transient dizziness in two cases, and a second-degree skin burn in a patient with advanced diabetic neuropathy. OH (6.3 ± 1.2 L vs. 5.5 ± 1.3 L, p = 0.05), body weight (67.7 ± 11.4 vs. 66.8 ± 3.8 kg, p = 0.003), diastolic blood pressure (92 ± 13.5 vs. 83 ± 13.3 mmHg, P = 0.003) and PSQI score (7.3 ± 3.7 vs. 5.1 ± 3.2, p = 0.02) improved significantly between the control and intervention period, respectively.ConclusionsStimulated diaphoresis with a portable sauna bath could be a novel, safe, and effective alternative way to reduce FO in CAPD patients. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03563898.

Male personal heat exposures and fecundability: A preconception cohort study.

Several studies indicate adverse effects of selected heat exposures on semen quality, but few studies have directly evaluated fertility as an endpoint. We evaluated prospectively the association between male heat exposures and fecundability, the per-cycle probability of conception. We analyzed data from 3041 couples residing in the United States or Canada who enrolled in a prospective preconception cohort study (2013-2021). At enrollment, males reported on several heat-related exposures, such as use of saunas, hot baths, seat heaters, and tight-fitting underwear. Pregnancy status was updated on female follow-up questionnaires every 8weeks until conception or a censoring event (initiation of fertility treatment, cessation of pregnancy attempts, withdrawal, loss to follow-up, or 12 cycles), whichever came first. We used proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between heat exposures and fecundability, mutually adjusting for heat exposures and other potential confounders. We observed small inverse associations for hot bath/tub use (≥3vs. 0 times/month: FR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.70-1.07) and fever in the 3 months before baseline (FR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.79-1.12; one cycle of follow-up: FR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.64-1.11). Little association was found for sauna use, hours of laptop use on one's lap, seat heater use, time spent sitting, and use of tight-fitting underwear. Based on a cumulative heat metric, FRs for 1, 2, 3, and ≥4versus 0 heat exposures were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.87-1.12), 1.03 (95% CI: 0.89-1.19), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.74-1.19), and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.50-1.17), respectively. Associations were stronger among men aged ≥30 years (≥4vs. 0 heat exposures: FR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.34-1.04). Male use of hot tubs/baths and fever showed weak inverse associations with fecundability. Cumulative exposure to multiple heat sources was associated with a moderate reduction in fecundability, particularly among males aged ≥30 years.

Autonomic Nervous System Response to Far-Infrared Sauna Exposure in Firefighters.

Fire departments have employed far-infrared sauna (FIRS) use as part of post-fire call protocols to address concerns related to carcinogens. The inability of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) to fully recover following an emergency call, as demonstrated by heightened sympathetic nervous system activity and delayed parasympathetic nervous system reactivation, has been implicated as a potential factor related to sudden cardiac death. The use of a sauna post-fire call, which has been demonstrated to elevate body temperature, may interfere with the ability of the ANS to fully recover. The purpose of this study was to examine ANS responses to FIRS exposure in firefighters (FFs) with (EX) and without (NONEX) prior maximal exercise. Sixteen career FFs participated in this study. Body temperature (TEMP), heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP), and blood lactate (La─) were measured at the start of each testing session, following a maximal exercise test (EX only), and immediately after a 15-min FIRS exposure for NONEX and EX. In NONEX, TEMP increased (P < 0.001); however, there was no change in HR, HRV, BP, or La─. In EX, BP remained unchanged while TEMP, HR, and La─ were significantly (P < 0.001) greater than baseline following FIRS exposure and HRV was significantly (P = 0.018) lower than baseline. These findings indicate that FIRS following maximal exercise did support some ANS recovery, but may interfere with restoration of body temperature and parasympathetic nervous system reactivation, potentially influencing post-call cardiovascular risk in FFs.

Finnish Sauna Bathing and Vascular Function in Adults with Coronary Artery Disease: Preliminary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Regular Finnish sauna use is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality. However, mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unknown. Other forms of heat therapy have been shown to improve markers of vascular function in healthy young adults as well as in middle-aged adults with cardiovascular risk factors and older adults with chronic heart failure. Nevertheless, no experimental study has addressed the effects of regular Finnish sauna use on vascular function. This study tested the hypothesis that an 8-week Finnish sauna intervention improves vascular function in adults with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) Methods Fourteen middle-aged to older adults (61 ± 7 years, 12 men/2 women) with stable CAD and naïve to heat therapy were randomized to 8 weeks of Finnish sauna (4 sessions/week, 20-30 min/session) (SAUNA, n=7) or maintenance of habitual lifestyle (CTRL, n=7). Before and after the intervention, resting blood pressure, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and cutaneous vasodilation during local heating at 39°C were measured. Brachial artery FMD was used as an index of conduit artery endothelial function, peak and area under the curve (AUC) of forearm vascular conductance (FVC) during reactive hyperemia were used as indices of peripheral microvascular reactivity and the plateau of cutaneous vascular conductance, expressed as percentage of maximal (%CVC) during local heating, was used as an index of skin microvascular reactivity. Results Resting systolic (P for interaction = 0.55) and diastolic blood pressure (P for interaction = 0.56) were not different between interventions. Contrary to our hypothesis, no effect of the sauna intervention was observed on FMD (SAUNA pre to post: 4.2 ± 2.4 to 4.5 ± 2.1%, CTRL pre to post: 5.0 ± 1.8 to 4.3 ± 2.1%, P for interaction = 0.37). Peripheral microvascular reactivity decreased following the SAUNA intervention and increased following CTRL, according to peak FVC (SAUNA pre to post: 2.7 ± 1.2 to 2.3. ± 1.2 ml/min/mmHg, CTRL pre to post: 3.2 ± 0.6 to 3.9 ± 0.7 ml/min/mmHg, P for interaction = 0.03) and FVC-AUC (SAUNA pre to post: 1.4 ± 0.6 to 1.1 ± 0.6 ml/mmHg, CTRL pre to post: 1.7 ± 0.5 to 2.1 ± 0.5 ml/mmHg, P for interaction = 0.03). However, within group changes in both peak FVC and FVC-AUC were not significant (all P > 0.06). No effect of either intervention was observed on %CVC (P for interaction = 0.33). Conclusion These results suggest that 4 sessions of Finnish sauna bathing per week for 8 weeks does not improve markers of macro- or microvascular function in middle-aged to older adults with stable CAD.

Passive Heat Therapy Reduces Aortic and Carotid Artery Stiffness and Intima‐Media Thickness in Middle‐Aged and Older Adults

Aging is accompanied by stiffening of the large elastic arteries and adverse arterial remodeling, which increase risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Passive heat therapy—chronic use of hot baths and saunas—is associated with lower CVD risk. However, it is unknown if a heat therapy intervention affects arterial stiffness and structure in middle-aged and older (MA/O) adults without overt clinical disorders. Purpose To determine if passive heat therapy, via hot water immersion, in healthy MA/O adults: 1) reduces arterial stiffness, as measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-f PWV; i.e., aortic stiffness) and common carotid artery (CCA) and superficial femoral artery (SFA) β-stiffness index; and 2) alters arterial structure, as measured by CCA and SFA intima-media thickness (IMT) and vessel diameter. Methods 23 healthy, minimally active MA/O men and postmenopausal women (57-79 years) were randomized to participate in 30, 60-minute sessions (3-4x/week over 8-10 weeks) of either hot water immersion (40.5°C, N=12, 5M/7F, 68±2 years) or thermoneutral water immersion (36°C, “sham”, N=11, 4M/7F, 66±2 years). Ultrasound- and tonometry-based measures of arterial stiffness and structure were measured at baseline and 24-72 hours after the final water immersion session. Data are mean ± SEM; P-values were determined by 2-way mixed-design ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc tests. Results In the large elastic arteries (i.e., the arteries that stiffen with aging), heat therapy reduced c-f PWV from 8.7±0.6 to 8.0±0.7 m/s (p=0.03) and CCA β-stiffness index from 10.6±1.6 to 7.8±0.8 (p=0.02); however, heat therapy did not change SFA β-stiffness index (15.0±1.6 vs. 14.6±1.6, p=0.99), a more muscular artery. Heat therapy also improved selective measures of arterial structure. In the CCA, heat therapy decreased IMT from 0.70±0.01 to 0.66±0.02 mm (p<0.01) without affecting diameter (7.4±0.2 vs. 7.2±0.2 mm, p=0.90). Conversely, in the SFA, heat therapy did not alter IMT (0.56±0.02 vs. 0.57±0.02 mm, p>0.99), but tended to increase diameter from 7.6±0.2 to 7.9±0.3 mm (p=0.06), which likely occurred due to repeated increases in vascular shear stress to the lower body during hot water immersion sessions. No changes were observed in any outcome in sham subjects (c-f PWV: 8.5±0.5 vs. 8.4±0.4 m/s, p=0.85; CCA β-stiffness index: 10.0±2.2 vs. 9.9±2.6, p=0.96; CCA IMT: 0.70±0.02 vs. 0.70±0.02 mm, p=0.92; SFA β-stiffness index: 15.2±2.1 vs. 16.0±2.9, p=0.93; CCA diameter: 7.5±0.1 vs. 7.4±0.1 mm, p=0.42; SFA IMT: 0.57±0.03 vs. 0.56 ±0.03 mm, p=0.85; SFA diameter: 7.8±0.4 vs. 7.9±0.3 mm, p=0.98). Conclusion Heat therapy subjects demonstrated clinically relevant reductions in aortic and carotid artery stiffness, and in CCA IMT, all of which are independent predictors of future CVD risk. As such, heat therapy may be a promising lifestyle-based intervention for improving arterial health and thereby reducing CVD risk in MA/O adults.

Patterns of rapid weight loss in elite sambo athletes

BackgroundRapid weight loss (RWL) is commonly practiced in combat sports. Both magnitude and methods used to induce RWL are largely similar among combat sports, but currently, there is no data on RWL methodology used by sambo athletes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine RWL procedures sambo athletes apply to lose weight rapidly.MethodsThe sample consisted of 199 participants, of which 132 males and 67 females who participated in the World Sambo Championship 2020 held in Novi Sad, Serbia. Each participant received RWL questionnaire that was available in multiple languages, and every participant was instructed how to fill it out.ResultsAlmost 87% of sambo participants declared to have intentionally cut their weight prior to the competition, whereby 5.27 kg (SD: ±7.57) was lost. Gradual dieting, sauna use and skipping meals were the most dominant methods used to reduce weight prior to competition while more extreme methods of RWL such as the use of laxatives, diuretics, diet pills and vomiting were also implemented but by much smaller fragment of the participants involved.ConclusionsFindings from our study largely match with previously conducted RWL studies in terms of prevalence, magnitude and methods used by combat sport athletes, especially in judo and wrestling. Knowing the hazardous consequences of RWL, alternative methods of sustainable weight loss should be considered.

Heat therapy: mechanistic underpinnings and applications to cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide, and novel therapies are drastically needed to prevent or delay the onset of CVD to reduce the societal and healthcare burdens associated with these chronic diseases. One such therapy is "heat therapy," or chronic, repeated use of hot baths or saunas. Although using heat exposure to improve health is not a new concept, it has received renewed attention in recent years as a growing number of studies have demonstrated robust and widespread beneficial effects of heat therapy on cardiovascular health. Here, we review the existing literature, with particular focus on the molecular mechanisms that underscore the cardiovascular benefits of this practice.

Effect of Using Some Methods of Hospitalization on The Speed of Return to Normal and Some Physiological Variables for Volleyball Players.

Introduction: Sports training is witnessing tremendous development these days, especially in its relationship with other sciences, Competition exercises are considered a training form aimed at improving the level of the match performance, as it is similar to the match, but it differs from it in some performance characteristics as the main goal of its performance is training. Aim: The research aims to identify the effect of using recovery methods during the competition period on some physiological variables among volleyball players. Results: The results indicate that there are statistically significant differences between the measurements and the post parameters of the first experimental group, the pulse rate percentage of improvement reached (68.04%), glucose percentage improvement reached (9.53%), lactic acid percentage of improvement reached (90.56%), systolic blood pressure percentage improvement reached (8.66%) and diastolic blood pressure percentage improvement was (10.65%). The results also showed the positive effect of using the cold bath on the second experimental group, lactic acid percentage of improvement reached (89.47%), systolic blood pressure percentage improvement (18.9%), and diastolic blood pressure percentage improvement of (16.29%). Conclusions: Using the sauna as a healing method leads to positive physiological changes in the pulse rate, glucose, and lactic - systolic and diastolic blood pressure in volleyball players. The use of sauna as a healing method leads to positive physiological changes in the pulse rate, glucose, and lactic - systolic and diastolic blood pressure in volleyball players. The effect of using a cold bath is better than using a sauna in improving the pulse rate, glucose, and lactic - the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of volleyball players.

Endocrine Effects of Repeated Hot Thermal Stress and Cold Water Immersion in Young Adult Men.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of repeated hot thermal stress and cold water immersion on the endocrine system of young adult men with moderate and high levels of physical activity (PA). The research was conducted on 30 men aged 19–26 years (mean: 22.67 ± 2.02) who attended four sauna sessions of 12 min each (temperature: 90−91°C; relative humidity: 14–16 %). Each sauna session was followed by a 6-min cool-down break during which the participants were immersed in cold water (10−11°C) for 1 min. Testosterone (TES), cortisol (COR), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and prolactin (PRL) levels were measured before and after the sauna bath. The participants’ PA levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Serum COR levels decreased significantly (p < .001) from 13.61 to 9.67 µg/ml during 72 min of sauna treatment. No significant changes (p >.05) were noted in the concentrations of the remaining hormones: TES increased from 4.04 to 4.24 ng/ml, DHEA-S decreased from 357.5 to 356.82 µg/ml, and PRL decreased from 14.50 to 13.71 ng/ml. After sauna, a greater decrease in COR concentrations was observed in males with higher baseline COR levels, whereas only a minor decrease was noted in participants with very low baseline COR values (r =−0.673, p <.001). Repeated use of Finnish sauna induces a significant decrease in COR concentrations, but does not cause significant changes in TES, DHEA-S, or PRL levels. Testosterone concentrations were higher in men characterized by higher levels of PA, both before and after the sauna bath.

The human body’s response to the conditions in the sauna

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a 15-minute bathing session in a Finnish sauna on changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively), heart rate (HR), and body mass. The effects of grouping variables (age, sex, BMI, frequency of sauna use, history of sauna use) were taken into account in the analysis. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 women (33.6±13.1) and 42 men (33.8±12.5) aged 17 to 79 participated in one 15-minute sauna session (temperature: 90-91°C; relative humidity: 14-16%) in December 2019, in the city of Wrocław, Poland. The participants’ body mass, SBP, DBP and HR were measured before and after sauna. Body height was measured only before sauna. Results: Sauna induced significant changes in the participants’ physiological parameters. Systolic blood pressure decreased (p&lt;0.05) in both sexes, in older participants (p&lt;0.001) regardless of their BMI, and in participants who had rarely used sauna and had used sauna for a minimum of several years. A significant decrease in DBP (p&lt;0.001) and HR values and a significant loss of body fluids (p&lt;0.001) was noted in both sexes regardless of age, BMI, frequency and history of sauna use. Conclusions: A 15-minute sauna session has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system and can be incorporated into cardiovascular therapies. Regular sauna use is an important factor, and optimal results can be achieved by visiting sauna several times a week.

Medical and biological means of recovery in sports training of young athletes

Purpose of the research: experimental substantiation of the effectiveness of the use of restorative manual massage and dry air sauna in the training process of young athletes. Participants: 24 athletes (13-15 years old) who go in for track and field athletics at the of Children's and Youth Junior School m. Kharkiv. Research methods: analysis of literature data, testing of functional readiness, methods of mathematical statistics. The results were determined, to increase the efficiency of young athletes to introduce medical and biological means of recovery into the training process, namely a combination of a dry air sauna and restorative manual massage. It was found that as a result of the experiment, the indicators of the test "Rufier's test" of the athletes of the experimental group improved significantly (p &lt;0.05) in comparison with the athletes of the control group.