The effect of underwater massage during hot water immersion on acute cardiovascular and mood responses

Tom Cullen*, Charles J. Steward, Campbell Menzies, Christopher J.A. Pugh, C. Douglas Thake

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose There is emerging evidence that demonstrates the health benefits of hot water immersion including improvements to cardiovascular health and reductions in stress and anxiety. Many commercially available hot tubs offer underwater massage systems which purport to enhance many benefits of hot water immersion, however, these claims have yet to be studied. Methods Twenty participants (4 females) completed three, 30-minute sessions of hot-water immersion (beginning at 39°C) in a crossover randomized design: with air massage (Air Jet), water massage (Hydro Jet) or no massage (Control). Cardiovascular responses comprising; heart rate, blood pressure and superficial femoral artery blood flow and shear rate were measured. State trait anxiety, basic affect, and salivary cortisol were recorded before and after each trial. Data were analysed using a mixed effects model. Results Post immersion, heart rate increased (Δ31bpm, P
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)103858
JournalJournal of Thermal Biology
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Apr 2024

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