Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence.

Paper

Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence.

Published Jul 1, 2009 · Richard Beever

Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien

UNKNOWN SJR score

54

Citations

7

Influential Citations

Semantic Scholar

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To review the literature about the health benefits of far-infrared sauna (FIRS) use. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE A search of Web of Science, EBSCO, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid HealthSTAR, and EMBASE using the terms far-infrared and sauna, refined by limiting the search to studies of humans published in English, yielded 9 relevant papers (level I or level II evidence). MAIN MESSAGE Far-infrared saunas are approved by the Canadian Standards Association and are sold to the public. The manufacturers claim numerous health benefits; however, the published evidence to substantiate these claims is limited. Four papers support the use of FIRS therapy for those with congestive heart failure and 5 papers support its use for those with coronary risk factors. CONCLUSION There is limited moderate evidence supporting FIRS efficacy in normalizing blood pressure and treating congestive heart failure; fair evidence, from a single study, supporting FIRS therapy in chronic pain; weak evidence, from a single study, supporting FIRS therapy in chronic fatigue syndrome; weak evidence, from a single study, supporting FIRS therapy for obesity; and consistent fair evidence to refute claims regarding the role of FIRSs in cholesterol reduction.

Systematic Review

Study Snapshot

Far-infrared saunas show limited evidence for normalizing blood pressure and treating congestive heart failure, weak evidence for chronic pain, weak evidence for obesity, and no consistent evidence for cholesterol reduction.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Paper

Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: summary of published evidence.

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References

Citations

Effects of far infrared therapy in hemodialysis arterio-venous fistula maturation: A meta-analysis

Far infrared therapy can promote arteriovenous fistula maturation and reduce the incidence of obstruction in hemodialysis patients.

Effects of infrared sauna, traditional sauna, and warm water immersion on accelerated exercise recovery and prevention of cell damage: an experimental study

Warm water immersion is more effective for athletes in recovering from exercise and preventing muscle damage, while infrared sauna and traditional sauna are more effective for nonathletes.

Far-Infrared Irradiation Decreases Proliferation in Basal and PDGF-Stimulated VSMCs Through AMPK-Mediated Inhibition of mTOR/p70S6K Signaling Axis

Far-infrared irradiation reduces vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by inhibiting the mTOR/p70S6K signaling axis, potentially improving cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of far infrared ray illumination on the performance, blood biochemistry, and faecal microflora of laying hens at different production stages

LED+FIR illumination improves hen health and reduces serum cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels compared to LED lighting, while maintaining egg production and feed intake.

The impact of heat therapy on neuromuscular function and muscle atrophy in diabetic rats

Heat therapy effectively reduces muscle atrophy in diabetic rats, improving neuromuscular function and promoting muscle hypertrophy.

A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training

A single infrared sauna session after resistance training improves neuromuscular performance and reduces muscle soreness, potentially enhancing an athlete's mood, readiness, and physical performance.

Physiological Response to Thermal Stress in Obese vs. Non-Obese Physically Inactive Men

A 10 minute sauna session is safe for young men regardless of their body fat levels, as physiological changes are within the expected norm.

Infrared Sauna as Exercise-mimetic? Physiological Responses to Infrared Sauna vs Exercise in Healthy Women: A Randomised Controlled Crossover Trial.

Infrared sauna bathing in healthy women is more influenced by thermoregulatory responses than exercise-mimetic cardiorespiratory or cardiovascular activations.