Scientists have pointed to the positive effect of hot tubs

Hot tubs and saunas are known for their relaxing effects. However, recent studies have shown that hot tubs have a deeper physiological effect on the body. This was reported on November 21 by Science Daily magazine.

A team of scientists from the Bowerman Sports Science Center at the University of Oregon studied how the body reacts to three types of passive warming up. The study compared hot tubs with traditional dry and modern infrared saunas.

Immersing the body in hot water can help improve several important physiological processes, such as lowering blood pressure, activating the immune system, and improving the body's ability to tolerate heat stress. Many of these effects continue even after the end of the warm-up session.

"We compared the most common passive heating methods used in everyday life and studied in scientific research. No study has compared the severity of acute reactions between these three methods," said Jessica Atencio, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in the laboratory of Christopher Minson, Professor of Human Physiology.

Minson's team measured several key indicators such as body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, cardiac output, immune cell levels, and inflammatory biomarkers. The measurements were carried out before, during and after exposure to heat.

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The study involved 10 men and 10 women aged 20 to 28 years who regularly exercise. This allowed the researchers to focus on how each heat treatment method affects a young, healthy population.

According to Atencio, immersion in hot water most effectively increases body temperature, which is the main stimulus for subsequent reactions. When analyzing blood samples, it was found that hot tubs were the only method that caused an inflammatory reaction, which manifested itself in an increase in the level of inflammatory cytokines and immune cells.

"Immersion in hot water produces the most pronounced changes in internal temperature, as you cannot effectively dissipate heat, as when in contact with air, and you sweat to cool your body. When you are immersed in water, the mechanisms of sweating are ineffective," the specialist added.

Minson expressed confidence that people's willingness to use thermotherapy will contribute to improving their health, provided that the measures are followed. According to him, the recurrence of stress over a long period of time also contributes to improving health. He clarified that physical exercise can provide similar or even greater benefits.

"We want people to be reasonable and careful. We need to make sure that their doctors or others will allow them to engage in heat therapy or exercise, whether it's light or moderate walking, jogging, or strength training. Then they will be able to practice heat therapy," Minson added.

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