Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men
Mero A, Tornberg J, Mäntykoski M, Puurtinen R
SpringerPlus · 24 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Controlled clinical trial (classified by our AI screen)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
- University or hospital
- Jyväskylän Yliopisto
Based on 1 listed funder(s).
Publication
- Published
- 2015-07-06 · Springerplus · vol. 4 · issue 1 · p. 321
- Publisher
- Springer International Publishing
- Cited
- 49 citations · more than 70% of similar papers · 0.7× the field average
- References
- 17 works
- Access
- Open access (free to publish) · CC-BY
- Research areas
- Thermoregulation and physiological responses · Textile materials and evaluations · Muscle metabolism and nutrition
- Keywords
- Medicine, Isometric exercise, Heart rate, VO2 max, Animal science, Endurance training, Treadmill, Physical therapy, Internal medicine, Blood pressure, Biology
4 authors
From FI
- Antti A. Mero · correspondingUniversity of Jyväskylä
- Jaakko TornbergUniversity of Jyväskylä
- Mari MäntykoskiUniversity of Jyväskylä
- Risto PuurtinenUniversity of Jyväskylä
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated effects of far-infrared sauna (FIRS) bathing on recovery from strength training and endurance training sessions, but also possible differences between FIRS and traditional (TRAD) Finnish sauna bathing.
Methods
Ten healthy physically active male volunteers had on various days either a 60 min hypertrophic strength training session (STS) or a 34-40 min maximal endurance training session (ETS), which was following by 30 min bathing in special FIRS sauna at temperature of 35-50°C and humidity of 25-35%. After the sauna, subjects sat for 30 min at room temperature (21°C and 25-30% humidity). In comparison, 30 min of TRAD took place at 35-50°C and in 60-70% humidity. Performance tests included maximal isometric bench press and leg press, counter movement jump (CMJ) and maximal oxygen uptake on a treadmill.
Results
After STS, there were decreases in maximal isometric bench press (p < 0.001), maximal isometric leg press (p < 0.001), CMJ (p < 0.001) and pH (p < 0.001), but increases in heart rate (p < 0.001) and lactate concentration (p < 0.001) as expected. During recovery there were no differences in any variables between FIRS and no sauna bathing (NO SAUNA). Maximal ETS increased oxygen uptake (p < 0.001), heart rate (p < 0.001), lactate concentration (p < 0.001) and decreased pH (p < 0.001) as expected. During recovery at 30 min, CMJ was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (0.34 ± 0.09 m) after FIRS bathing than after sitting with NO SAUNA (0.32 ± 0.0 m). After sauna heart rate was higher (p < 0.05) in TRAD (92 ± 13 beats/min) than in FIRS (71 ± 7 beats/min).
Conclusion
In conclusion, deep penetration of infrared heat (approximately 3-4 cm into fat tissue and neuromuscular system) with mild temperature (35-50°C), and light humidity (25-35%) during FIRS bathing appears favorable for the neuromuscular system to recover from maximal endurance performance. FIRS bathing is a very light loading for the body and provides a comfortable and relaxing experience.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY).
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