Repeated warm water baths decrease sympathetic activity in humans
Jian Cui, Zhaohui Gao, Urs A. Leuenberger, Cheryl Blaha, J. Carter Luck, Michael D. Herr, Lawrence I. Sinoway
Abstract
To our knowledge, this is the first study to observe the effects of repeated warm baths on sympathetic nerve activity during rest and stress in healthy middle age and older individuals. The data suggest that the repeated warm baths decreased resting sympathetic activity and heart rate, which can be considered beneficial effects. This study also provides the first evidence that the repeated warm baths did not alter the baroreflex sensitivity and the sympathetic responses to stress.
Topics & Concepts
BaroreflexHeart rateSympathetic nervous systemSympathetic activityMedicineHeart rate variabilityAutonomic nervous systemBlood pressureMicroneurographyAnesthesiaInternal medicineThermoregulation and physiological responsesHeart Rate Variability and Autonomic ControlClimate Change and Health Impacts