1
|
Laukkanen JA, Kunutsor SK. The multifaceted benefits of passive heat therapies for extending the healthspan: A comprehensive review with a focus on Finnish sauna. Temperature (Austin) 2024; 11:27-51. [PMID: 38577299 PMCID: PMC10989710 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2023.2300623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Passive heat therapy is characterized by exposure to a high environmental temperature for a brief period. There are several types of passive heat therapy which include hot tubs, Waon therapy, hydrotherapy, sanarium, steam baths, infrared saunas and Finnish saunas. The most commonly used and widely studied till date are the Finnish saunas, which are characterized by high temperatures (ranging from 80-100°C) and dry air with relative humidity varying from 10-20%. The goal of this review is to provide a summary of the current evidence on the impact of passive heat therapies particularly Finnish saunas on various health outcomes, while acknowledging the potential of these therapies to contribute to the extension of healthspan, based on their demonstrated health benefits and disease prevention capabilities. The Finnish saunas have the most consistent and robust evidence regarding health benefits and they have been shown to decrease the risk of health outcomes such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, thromboembolism, dementia, and respiratory conditions; may improve the severity of musculoskeletal disorders, COVID-19, headache and flu, while also improving mental well-being, sleep, and longevity. Finnish saunas may also augment the beneficial effects of other protective lifestyle factors such as physical activity. The beneficial effects of passive heat therapies may be linked to their anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective and anti-oxidant properties and synergistic effects on neuroendocrine, circulatory, cardiovascular and immune function. Passive heat therapies, notably Finnish saunas, are emerging as potentially powerful and holistic strategies to promoting health and extending the healthspan in all populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jari A. Laukkanen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Medicine, Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Podstawski R, Borysławski K, Józefacka NM, Snarska J, Hinca B, Biernat E, Podstawska A. 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. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1303804. [PMID: 38344040 PMCID: PMC10853428 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1303804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background 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. Aim 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion 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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Podstawski
- School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Borysławski
- Angelus Silesius University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Health, Wałbrzych, Poland
| | | | - Jadwiga Snarska
- School of Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Bożena Hinca
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Biernat
- Collegium of World Economy, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee E, Kolunsarka IA, Kostensalo J, Ahtiainen JP, Haapala EA, Willeit P, Kunutsor SK, Laukkanen JA. The effects of regular sauna bathing in conjunction with exercise on cardiovascular function: A multi-arm randomized controlled trial. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 323:R289-R299. [PMID: 35785965 PMCID: PMC9394774 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00076.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Regular exercise and sauna bathing have each been shown to improve cardiovascular function in clinical populations. However, experimental data on the cardiovascular adaptations to regular exercise in conjunction with sauna bathing in the general population is lacking. Therefore, we compared the effects of exercise and sauna bathing, to regular exercise using a multi-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 47) aged 49 ± 9 years with low physical activity levels, and at least one traditional CVD risk factor were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to guideline-based regular exercise and 15-minute post-exercise sauna (EXS), guideline-based regular exercise (EXE), or control (CON), for eight weeks. The primary outcomes were blood pressure (BP) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Secondary outcomes included fat mass, total cholesterol levels, and arterial stiffness. EXE had a greater change in CRF (+6.2 ml/kg/min; 95% CI, +4.2. to +8.3 ml/kg/min) and fat mass, but no differences in BP when compared to CON. EXS displayed greater change in CRF (+2.7 ml/kg/min; 95% CI, +0.2. to +5.3 ml/kg/min), lower systolic BP (-8.0 mmHg; 95% CI, -14.6 to -1.4 mmHg) and lower total cholesterol levels compared to EXE. Regular exercise improved CRF and body composition in sedentary adults with CVD risk factors. However, when combined with exercise, sauna bathing demonstrated a substantially supplementary effect on CRF, systolic BP, and total cholesterol levels. Sauna bathing is a valuable lifestyle tool that complements exercise for improving CRF, and decreasing systolic BP. Future research should focus on the duration, and frequency of exposure to ascertain the dose-response relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Earric Lee
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, grid.9681.6University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Iiris A Kolunsarka
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, grid.9681.6University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Joel Kostensalo
- grid.22642.30Natural Resources Institute Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Juha P Ahtiainen
- Department of Biology of Physical Activity, grid.9681.6University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Eero A Haapala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, grid.9681.6University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Peter Willeit
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Setor K Kunutsor
- Translational Health Sciences, grid.5337.2University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pettit-Mee RJ, Power G, Cabral-Amador FJ, Ramirez-Perez FI, Nogueira Soares R, Sharma N, Liu Y, Christou DD, Kanaley JA, Martinez-Lemus LA, Manrique-Acevedo CM, Padilla J. Endothelial HSP72 is not reduced in type 2 diabetes nor is it a key determinant of endothelial insulin sensitivity. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 323:R43-R58. [PMID: 35470695 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00006.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Impaired endothelial insulin signaling and consequent blunting of insulin-induced vasodilation is a feature of type 2 diabetes (T2D) that contributes to vascular disease and glycemic dysregulation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial insulin resistance remain poorly known. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that endothelial insulin resistance in T2D is attributed to reduced expression of heat shock protein 72(HSP72). HSP72 is a cytoprotective chaperone protein that can be upregulated with heating and is reported to promote insulin sensitivity in metabolically active tissues, in part via inhibition of JNK activity. Accordingly, we further hypothesized that, in T2D individuals, seven days of passive heat treatment via hot water immersion to waist-level would improve leg blood flow responses to an oral glucose load (i.e., endogenous insulin stimulation) via induction of endothelial HSP72. In contrast, we found that: 1) endothelial insulin resistance in T2D mice and humans was not associated with reduced HSP72 in aortas and venous endothelial cells, respectively; 2) after passive heat treatment, improved leg blood flow responses to an oral glucose load did not parallel with increased endothelial HSP72; 3) downregulation of HSP72 (via small-interfering RNA) or upregulation of HSP72 (via heating) in cultured endothelial cells did not impair or enhance insulin signaling, respectively, nor was JNK activity altered. Collectively, these findings do not support the hypothesis that reduced HSP72 is a key driver of endothelial insulin resistance in T2D but provide novel evidence that lower-body heating may be an effective strategy for improving leg blood flow responses to glucose ingestion-induced hyperinsulinemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Pettit-Mee
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Gavin Power
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | | | | | | | - Neekun Sharma
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Demetra D Christou
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jill A Kanaley
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Luis A Martinez-Lemus
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Camila M Manrique-Acevedo
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Research Services, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jaume Padilla
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lee E, Kostensalo J, Willeit P, Kunutsor SK, Laukkanen T, Zaccardi F, Khan H, Laukkanen JA. Standalone sauna vs exercise followed by sauna on cardiovascular function in non-naïve sauna users: A comparison of acute effects. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e393. [PMID: 34622026 PMCID: PMC8485612 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sauna bathing and aerobic exercise have each been shown to affect cardiovascular function. However, direct comparisons between standalone sauna bathing and a combination of exercise and sauna on vascular indices remain limited. Therefore, we conducted a cross-over study using matched durations to explore the hemodynamic changes of sauna exposure when compared to a combination of aerobic exercise and sauna exposure. METHODS Participants (N = 72) with at least one cardiovascular risk factor underwent, on two separate occasions: (a) a 30-minute sauna at 75°C (SAUNA) and (b) the combination of a 15-minute cycling exercise at 75% maximum heart rate followed by 15-minute sauna exposure (EX+SAUNA). Relative changes to arterial stiffness (PWV), augmentation index (Alx), brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), central SBP (cSBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were compared PRE-POST and pre- to 30-minutes post-intervention (PRE-POST30). RESULTS Baseline SBP and DBP were 143 (SD 18) mmHg and 86 (SD 10) mmHg, respectively. From PRE-POST, SAUNA had lower DBP (mean difference [95% CI] 2.5 [1.0, 4.1], P = .002) and MAP (2.5 [0.6, 4.3], P = .01). However, EX+SAUNA had lower SBP (-2.7 [-4.8, -0.5], P = .02), DBP (-1.8 [-3.3, -0.4], P = .01), and MAP (-2.0 [-3.5, -0.5], P = .009) PRE-POST30. There were no statistically significant differences between SAUNA and EX+SAUNA for other measured parameters. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that when matched for duration, EX+SAUNA and SAUNA elicit comparable acute hemodynamic alterations in middle-aged participants with cardiovascular risk factors. The sauna is a suitable option for acute blood pressure reductions in those who are unable to perform aerobic exercise, and may be a viable lifestyle treatment option to improve blood pressure control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Earric Lee
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Joel Kostensalo
- Faculty of Mathematics and Science University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Peter Willeit
- Department of Neurology Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Setor K Kunutsor
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol Bristol UK
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School University of Bristol, Learning & Research Building (Level 1), Southmead Hospital Bristol UK
| | - Tanjaniina Laukkanen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
| | | | - Hassan Khan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine Emory University Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - Jari A Laukkanen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä Finland
- Department of Internal Medicine Central Finland Health Care District Jyväskylä Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Eastern Finland Kuopio Finland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McCarty MF. Nutraceutical, Dietary, and Lifestyle Options for Prevention and Treatment of Ventricular Hypertrophy and Heart Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073321. [PMID: 33805039 PMCID: PMC8037104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although well documented drug therapies are available for the management of ventricular hypertrophy (VH) and heart failure (HF), most patients nonetheless experience a downhill course, and further therapeutic measures are needed. Nutraceutical, dietary, and lifestyle measures may have particular merit in this regard, as they are currently available, relatively safe and inexpensive, and can lend themselves to primary prevention as well. A consideration of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the VH/HF syndrome suggests that measures which control oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, that support effective nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide bioactivity, that prevent a reduction in cardiomyocyte pH, and that boost the production of protective hormones, such as fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), while suppressing fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and marinobufagenin, may have utility for preventing and controlling this syndrome. Agents considered in this essay include phycocyanobilin, N-acetylcysteine, lipoic acid, ferulic acid, zinc, selenium, ubiquinol, astaxanthin, melatonin, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, berberine, citrulline, high-dose folate, cocoa flavanols, hawthorn extract, dietary nitrate, high-dose biotin, soy isoflavones, taurine, carnitine, magnesium orotate, EPA-rich fish oil, glycine, and copper. The potential advantages of whole-food plant-based diets, moderation in salt intake, avoidance of phosphate additives, and regular exercise training and sauna sessions are also discussed. There should be considerable scope for the development of functional foods and supplements which make it more convenient and affordable for patients to consume complementary combinations of the agents discussed here. Research Strategy: Key word searching of PubMed was employed to locate the research papers whose findings are cited in this essay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark F McCarty
- Catalytic Longevity Foundation, 811 B Nahant Ct., San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kunutsor SK, Laukkanen JA. High fitness levels, frequent sauna bathing and risk of pneumonia in a cohort study: Are there potential implications for COVID-19? Eur J Clin Invest 2021; 51:e13490. [PMID: 33426640 PMCID: PMC7995101 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an ongoing debate on a potential protective role of habitual physical activity and passive heat therapy on the risk of COVID-19, a respiratory infectious disease that can manifest as severe pneumonia. To explore these putative roles, we evaluated the independent and joint associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and frequency of sauna bathing (FSB) with pneumonia risk in a prospective cohort study of 2275 men aged 42-61 years at recruitment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Objectively measured CRF and self-reported sauna bathing habits were assessed at baseline. CRF was categorized as low and high (median cut-offs) and FSB as low and high (defined as ≤1 and 2-7 sessions/wk, respectively). Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for incident pneumonia. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 26.6 years, 529 cases of pneumonia occurred. Comparing high vs low CRF, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CIs) for pneumonia was 0.75 (0.61-0.91). Comparing high vs low FSB, the corresponding HR was 0.81 (0.68-0.97). Compared to men with low CRF & low FSB, the multivariable-adjusted HRs of pneumonia for the following groups: high CRF & low FSB; low CRF & high FSB; and high CRF & high FSB were 0.88 (0.65-1.20), 0.89 (0.71-1.13), and 0.62 (0.48-0.80) respectively. CONCLUSIONS In a general male Caucasian population, a combination of high fitness levels and frequent sauna baths is associated with a substantially lowered future pneumonia risk compared with each modality alone. The implications of these findings in altering COVID-19 disease or its severity deserve study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Setor K Kunutsor
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, Learning & Research Building (Level 1), Southmead Hospital, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jari A Laukkanen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Medicine, Central Finland Health Care District Hospital District, Jyväskylä, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Combined Effect of Sauna Bathing and Cardiorespiratory Fitness on the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Deaths in Caucasian Men: A Long-term Prospective Cohort Study. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2018; 60:635-641. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
9
|
Leicht AS, Halliday A, Sinclair WH, D'Auria S, Buchheit M, Kenny GP, Stanley J. Heart rate variability responses to acute and repeated postexercise sauna in trained cyclists. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2018; 43:704-710. [PMID: 29444412 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2017-0581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Short- to medium-term (i.e., 4-14 days) heating protocols induce physiological adaptations including improved cardiac autonomic modulations, as assessed using heart rate variability, which may contribute to greater exercise performance. Whether similar cardiac autonomic changes occur during an intense heating protocol (sauna) reported to increase plasma volume in athletes remains to be confirmed. This study examined changes in heart rate and its variability during a single extreme heat (sauna) exposure and repeated exposures in athletes. Six well-trained male cyclists undertook sauna bathing (30 min, 87 °C, 11% relative humidity) immediately after normal training over 10 consecutive days. Heart rate recordings were obtained during each sauna bout. Heart rate and its variability (natural logarithm of root mean square of successive differences, lnRMSSD) were analysed during 10-min periods within the first bout, and changes in heart rate and lnRMSSD were analysed during each bout via magnitude-based inferences. During the first sauna bout, heart rate was almost certainly increased (∼32%, effect size 1.68) and lnRMSSD was almost certainly reduced (∼62%, effect size -5.21) from the first to the last 10-min period, indicating reduced parasympathetic and (or) enhanced sympathetic modulations. Acute exposure to extreme heat stress via sauna produced alterations in heart rate and cardiac autonomic modulations with successive postexercise heat exposures producing unclear changes over a 10-day period. The physiological benefits of intense heating via sauna on cardiac control in athletes remain to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Leicht
- a Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Australia
| | - Aaron Halliday
- a Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Australia
| | - Wade H Sinclair
- a Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Australia
| | - Shaun D'Auria
- b Performance Science, Queensland Academy of Sport, Brisbane, 4111, Australia
| | - Martin Buchheit
- c Sport Science Unit, Myorobie Association, Montvalezan, 73700, France
| | - Glen P Kenny
- d Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Jamie Stanley
- e Physiology Department, South Australian Sports Institute, Adelaide, 5025, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zaccardi F, Laukkanen T, Willeit P, Kunutsor SK, Kauhanen J, Laukkanen JA. Sauna Bathing and Incident Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study. Am J Hypertens 2017. [PMID: 28633297 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpx102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sauna bathing is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, but the mechanisms underlying this beneficial effect are not entirely understood. We aimed to assess the relationship between sauna bathing and risk of incident hypertension. METHODS Frequency of sauna bathing was ascertained using questionnaires in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Study, a prospective cohort study conducted in Eastern Finland that comprised a population-based sample of 1,621 men aged 42 to 60 years without hypertension at baseline. The incidence of hypertension was defined as a physician diagnosis of hypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure >90 mm Hg, or use of antihypertensive medication. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 24.7 years, 251 incident cases (15.5%) were recorded. In Cox regression analysis adjusted for baseline age, smoking, body mass index, and SBP; compared to participants reporting 1 sauna session per week, the hazard ratio for incident hypertension in participants reporting 2 to 3 sessions and 4 to 7 sessions was 0.76 (95% confidence interval: 0.57-1.02) and 0.54 (0.32-0.91), respectively. The corresponding hazard ratios were similar after further adjustment for glucose, creatinine, alcohol consumption, heart rate, family history of hypertension, socioeconomic status, and cardiorespiratory fitness: 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.59-1.18) and 0.53 (0.28-0.98), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Regular sauna bathing is associated with reduced risk of hypertension, which may be a mechanism underlying the decreased cardiovascular risk associated with sauna use. Further epidemiological and experimental studies could help elucidate the effects of sauna bathing on cardiovascular function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanjaniina Laukkanen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Peter Willeit
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Setor K Kunutsor
- School of Clinical Sciences, Musculoskeletal Research Unit, University of Bristol, Learning & Research Building (Level 1), Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Bristol, UK
| | - Jussi Kauhanen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari A Laukkanen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Central Finland Central Hospital, Department of Medicine, Jyväskylä, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Heat adaptation from regular hot water immersion decreases proinflammatory responses, HSP70 expression, and physical heat stress. J Therm Biol 2017; 69:95-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|