Brief
Warm‑water immersion lowers blood pressure more than moderate cycling in overweight adults
Researchers report that a half‑hour hot bath produced greater blood‑pressure drops than a 30‑minute cycling session in a small trial.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Researchers reported that a 30‑minute soak in 40 °C water lowered blood pressure more than a comparable session of moderate cycling for sedentary overweight adults.
What happened
The trial involved 25 participants aged 45 to 70 who were overweight or obese, physically inactive (less than 150 minutes of structured exercise per week), and had resting blood pressure no higher than 140/90 mmHg. Each participant completed two separate sessions, at least 72 hours apart, in random order. In one session they immersed themselves in hot water for 30 minutes; in the other they cycled on a stationary bike at 60–70 % of their maximum heart rate for the same duration. Heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure were monitored throughout.
What the reports add
Using optical coherence tomography, researchers measured the diameter of skin microvessels, blood‑flow speed and volume. The hot‑water immersion caused immediate widening of these vessels, creating more space for blood flow. The study found a greater reduction in blood pressure after the bath than after cycling. The authors note that while hot baths cannot replace exercise, repeated immersion may improve vascular function and could complement conventional programmes for sedentary adults.
What was said
The article quotes the researchers as saying the data support further investigation of hot‑water immersion as a practical strategy for people who find physical activity difficult.
Key facts
- The study enrolled 25 overweight or obese adults aged 45‑70 with resting blood pressure ≤140/90 mmHg. (independent.co.uk)
- Participants completed a 30‑minute hot‑water immersion at 40 °C and a 30‑minute moderate‑intensity cycling session in random order. (independent.co.uk)
- Hot‑water immersion produced a greater immediate drop in blood pressure than cycling. (independent.co.uk)
- Optical coherence tomography showed widening of skin microvessels after the hot bath. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “The simple activity that can lower blood pressure better than moderate exercise”
