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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Original Research Article

Sex differences in adaptation to intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing in trained middle-distance runners

Authors: Nathalie V. Kirby, Samuel J. E. Lucas, Thomas G. Cable, Oliver J. Armstrong, Samuel R. Weaver, Rebekah A. I. Lucas

Published in: Sports Medicine - Open | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sex on the efficacy of intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing to induce heat acclimation and improve markers of temperate exercise performance in trained athletes.

Methods

Twenty-six trained runners (16 female; mean ± SD, age 19 ± 1 years, V̇O_2max F: 52.6 ± 6.9 mL⋅kg⁻¹⋅min⁻¹, M: 64.6 ± 2.4 mL⋅kg⁻¹⋅min⁻¹) performed a running heat tolerance test (30 min, 9 km⋅h⁻¹/2% gradient, 40 °C/40%RH; HTT) and temperate (18 °C) exercise tests (maximal aerobic capacity [V̇O_2max] and lactate profile) pre and post 3 weeks of normal exercise training plus 29 ± 1 min post-exercise sauna bathing (101–108 °C) 3 ± 1 times per week.

Results

Females and males exhibited similar reductions (interactions p > 0.05) in peak rectal temperature (− 0.3 °C; p < 0.001), skin temperature (− 0.9 °C; p < 0.001) and heart rate (− 9 beats·min⁻¹; p = 0.001) during the HTT at post- vs pre-intervention. Only females exhibited an increase in active sweat glands on the forearm (measured via modified iodine technique; F: + 57%, p < 0.001; M: + 1%, p = 0.47). Conversely, only males increased forearm blood flow (measured via venous occlusion plethysmography; F: + 31%, p = 0.61; M: + 123%; p < 0.001). Females and males showed similar (interactions p > 0.05) improvements in V̇O_2max (+ 5%; p = 0.02) and running speed at 4 mmol·L⁻¹ blood lactate concentration (+ 0.4 km·h⁻¹; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Three weeks of post-exercise sauna bathing effectively induces heat acclimation in females and males, though possibly amid different thermoeffector adaptations. Post-exercise sauna bathing is also an effective ergogenic aid for both sexes.

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Title: Sex differences in adaptation to intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing in trained middle-distance runners
Authors: Nathalie V. Kirby
Samuel J. E. Lucas
Thomas G. Cable
Oliver J. Armstrong
Samuel R. Weaver
Rebekah A. I. Lucas
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Sports Medicine - Open / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 2199-1170
Electronic ISSN: 2198-9761
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-021-00342-6

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Springer Medicine

Sex differences in adaptation to intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing in trained middle-distance runners

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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