The Effect of Hot Water Immersion on Heart Function in Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Kouda Ken, Banno Motohiko, Umemoto Yasunori, Kinoshita Tokio, Nishimura Yukihide, Mikami Yukio, Kubo Toshikazu, Tajima Fumihiro
Primary Institution: Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
This study aimed to investigate the impact and underlying mechanisms of whole-body heat stress on cardiac function in patients with cervical spinal cord injury and healthy controls.
Conclusion
Heat stress improved heart function in healthy participants but did not enhance left ventricular diastolic function in patients with cervical spinal cord injury.
Supporting Evidence
- Both groups showed an increase in body temperature and heart rate after immersion.
- Healthy participants had significant improvements in multiple cardiac function indices.
- Patients with cervical spinal cord injury showed limited improvements in heart function.
Takeaway
Taking a warm bath can help healthy people’s hearts work better, but it doesn’t help the hearts of people with certain spinal injuries as much.
Methodology
Participants were immersed in warm water for 60 minutes while monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and echocardiographic measurements.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors beyond heat stress may have influenced the results.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and included only male participants.
Participant Demographics
Eight male patients with cervical spinal cord injury and nine healthy male controls.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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