Intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing improves markers of exercise capacity in hot and temperate conditions in trained middle-distance runners

doi:10.1007/s00421-020-04541-z

Paper

Intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing improves markers of exercise capacity in hot and temperate conditions in trained middle-distance runners

Published Nov 19, 2020 · Nathalie V. Kirby, S. Lucas, Oliver J. Armstrong

European Journal of Applied Physiology

Q1 SJR score

17

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3

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Abstract

PurposeThis study investigated whether intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing across three-weeks endurance training improves exercise heat tolerance and exercise performance markers in temperate conditions, compared to endurance training alone. The subsidiary aim was to determine whether exercise-heat tolerance would further improve following 7-Weeks post-exercise sauna bathing.MethodsTwenty middle-distance runners (13 female; mean ± SD, age 20 ± 2 years, \(V\)O_2max 56.1 ± 8.7 ml kg^−1 min^−1) performed a running heat tolerance test (30-min, 9 km h^−1/2% gradient, 40 °C/40%RH; HTT) and temperate (18 °C) exercise tests (maximal aerobic capacity [\(V\)O_2max], speed at 4 mmol L^−1 blood lactate concentration ([La^−]) before (Pre) and following three-weeks (3-Weeks) normal training (CON; n = 8) or normal training with 28 ± 2 min post-exercise sauna bathing (101–108 °C, 5–10%RH) 3 ± 1 times per week (SAUNA; n = 12). Changes from Pre to 3-Weeks were compared between-groups using an analysis of co-variance. Six SAUNA participants continued the intervention for 7 weeks, completing an additional HTT (7-Weeks; data compared using a one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance).ResultsDuring the HTT, SAUNA reduced peak rectal temperature (T_rec; − 0.2 °C), skin temperature (− 0.8 °C), and heart rate (− 11 beats min^−1) more than CON at 3-Weeks compared to Pre (all p < 0.05). SAUNA also improved \(V\)O_2max (+ 0.27 L^−1 min^−1; p = 0.02) and speed at 4 mmol L^−1 [La^−] (+ 0.6 km h^−1; p = 0.01) more than CON at 3-Weeks compared to Pre. Only peak T_rec (− 0.1 °C; p = 0.03 decreased further from 3-Weeks to 7-Weeks in SAUNA (other physiological variables p > 0.05).ConclusionsThree-weeks post-exercise sauna bathing is an effective and pragmatic method of heat acclimation, and an effective ergogenic aid. Extending the intervention to seven weeks only marginally improved T_rec.

Non-RCT

Rigorous Journal

Study Snapshot

Three weeks of post-exercise sauna bathing improves heat tolerance and exercise performance in trained middle-distance runners, with minimal additional benefits from extending to seven weeks.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing improves markers of exercise capacity in hot and temperate conditions in trained middle-distance runners

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Citations

The effect of a 4-week, remotely administered, post-exercise passive leg heating intervention on determinants of endurance performance

Post-exercise passive leg heating had no ergogenic benefit but negatively affected sub-maximal exercise characteristics in recreationally trained individuals.

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