Effects of spa treatment on cardiac autonomic control at rest in healthy subjects

Uncovering the link between inflammatory rheumatic diseases and male reproductive health: a perspective on male infertility and sexual dysfunction

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) refer to a range of persistent disorders that have a major influence on several physiological systems. Although there is much evidence connecting IRDs to sexual dysfunction and fertility problems, research specifically focusing on male infertility in relation to these diseases is sparse. This review addresses the complicated connection between IRDs and male infertility, emphasising the physiological, psychological, and pharmacological aspects that influence reproductive health outcomes in men with rheumatic conditions. We explore the effects of IRDs and their treatments on many facets of male reproductive well-being, encompassing sexual functionality, semen characteristics, and hormonal balance. Additionally, we present a comprehensive analysis of the present knowledge on the impact of several categories of anti-rheumatic drugs on male reproductive function. Although there is an increasing awareness of the need of addressing reproductive concerns in individuals IRDs, there is a noticeable lack of research especially dedicated to male infertility. Moving forward, more comprehensive research is needed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and mechanisms driving reproductive difficulties in males with IRDs. We can better assist the reproductive health requirements of male IRD patients by expanding our understanding of male infertility in the setting of rheumatic disorders and implementing holistic methods to care.

Infrared sauna as exercise-mimetic? Physiological responses to infrared sauna vs exercise in healthy women: A randomized controlled crossover trial

BACKGROUND

Passive heat therapies have been reported to have similar effects on the cardiovascular system as exercise. Studies supporting these findings in healthy populations have predominantly been done with men using warm water immersions or traditional saunas, rather than newer infrared-based saunas.

OBJECTIVE

To explore short-term thermal and cardiovascular responses in women using an infrared sauna as compared to moderate-intensity exercise.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled crossover trial with balanced allocations.

SETTING

Brisbane, Australia (August 2019 - March 2020) PARTICIPANTS: Ten healthy women (36 ± 9 years) INTERVENTIONS: 45 min of resting, infrared sauna or indoor bicycling PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: tympanic/skin temperatures; respiratory rate; blood pressure; arterial stiffness; heart rate variability RESULTS: Tympanic temperatures were elevated during infrared sauna as compared to both control (mean diff = +1.05 ^oC ± SEM 0.12 ^oC, 95% C.I.: 0.73 - 1.36, p < 0.0005) and exercise (mean diff = +0.79 ^oC ± SEM 0.12 ^oC, 95% C.I.: 0.49 - 1.08, p < 0.0005). Respiratory rates were higher during exercise as compared to both control (mean diff = +7.66 ± SEM 1.37, 95% C.I.: 4.09 - 11.23, p < 0.0005) and infrared sauna (mean diff = +6.66 ± SEM 1.33, 95% C.I.: 3.20 - 10.11, p < 0.0005). No significant differences in non-invasive measures of blood pressure, arterial stiffness or heart rate variability were detected between any of the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the physiological effects of infrared sauna bathing are underpinned by thermoregulatory-induced responses, more so than exercise-mimetic cardiorespiratory or cardiovascular activations.

Effect of a 16-week Bikram yoga program on heart rate variability and associated cardiovascular disease risk factors in stressed and sedentary adults: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Chronic activation of the stress-response can contribute to cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in sedentary individuals. This study investigated the effect of a Bikram yoga intervention on the high frequency power component of heart rate variability (HRV) and associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (i.e. additional domains of HRV, hemodynamic, hematologic, anthropometric and body composition outcome measures) in stressed and sedentary adults.

Methods

Eligible adults were randomized to an experimental group (n = 29) or a no treatment control group (n = 34). Experimental group participants were instructed to attend three to five supervised Bikram yoga classes per week for 16 weeks at local studios. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline (week 0) and completion (week 17).

Results

Sixty-three adults (37.2 ± 10.8 years, 79% women) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The experimental group attended 27 ± 18 classes. Analyses of covariance revealed no significant change in the high-frequency component of HRV (p = 0.912, partial η² = 0.000) or in any secondary outcome measure between groups over time. However, regression analyses revealed that higher attendance in the experimental group was associated with significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.039; partial η² = 0.154), body fat percentage (p = 0.001, partial η² = 0.379), fat mass (p = 0.003, partial η² = 0.294) and body mass index (p = 0.05, partial η² = 0.139).

Conclusions

A 16-week Bikram yoga program did not increase the high frequency power component of HRV or any other CVD risk factors investigated. As revealed by post hoc analyses, low adherence likely contributed to the null effects. Future studies are required to address barriers to adherence to better elucidate the dose-response effects of Bikram yoga practice as a medium to lower stress-related CVD risk.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered with Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000867493. Registered 04 July 2016.