Standalone sauna vs exercise followed by sauna on cardiovascular function in non-naïve sauna users: A comparison of acute effects.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Crossover trial evaluating acute physiological responses to active interventions
PubMed 34622026 · doi:10.1002/hsr2.393
What was done
A crossover study in 72 non-naïve sauna users with at least one cardiovascular risk factor compared two duration-matched (30-minute) protocols on separate occasions: (a) 30 minutes of sauna at 75°C (SAUNA), and (b) 15 minutes of cycling at 75% maximum heart rate followed by 15 minutes of sauna (EX+SAUNA). Arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), augmentation index, brachial and central blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate were measured before, immediately after (PRE-POST), and 30 minutes post-intervention (PRE-POST30).
What was found
Baseline blood pressure was 143 (SD 18) / 86 (SD 10) mmHg. Immediately post-intervention (PRE-POST), the SAUNA protocol produced lower DBP (mean difference [95% CI] 2.5 [1.0, 4.1] mmHg, P = .002) and MAP (2.5 [0.6, 4.3] mmHg, P = .01). At 30 minutes post-intervention (PRE-POST30), EX+SAUNA had lower SBP (-2.7 [-4.8, -0.5] mmHg, P = .02), DBP (-1.8 [-3.3, -0.4] mmHg, P = .01), and MAP (-2.0 [-3.5, -0.5] mmHg, P = .009). No statistically significant differences between interventions were observed for other measured parameters.
Why it matters
Standalone sauna bathing yields acute blood pressure reductions comparable to combined aerobic exercise and sauna. This suggests sauna exposure can serve as a viable acute non-pharmacological option to modulate blood pressure in individuals unable to exercise.
Limits
The study evaluated only immediate and 30-minute acute outcomes, providing no evidence regarding chronic cardiovascular adaptations or clinical events. The sample was restricted to middle-aged individuals with cardiovascular risk factors who were already familiar with sauna use, limiting generalizability. Randomization of the crossover sequence was not reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Intervention studies show sauna use produces physiological effects on blood pressure and heart rate variability comparable to moderate aerobic exercise.