Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of isotonic exercise during a 38°C mist sauna on oxygen uptake in comparison with conditions of the exercise only.
The subjects of this study were 10 young persons (average 20.5 years old). Oxygen uptake and breath rate were measured using an expiratory gas analysis system and the tympanic temperature was measured using a thermistor during a control period 10 minutes before the tasks, for 10 minutes during the tasks, and for 10 minutes after the tasks. Heart rate was measured using an autonomic spygmomanometer during the 10 minutes control period before the tasks, at five and 10 minutes during the tasks, and for 10 minutes after the tasks. Body weight was measured before and after the experiment. The temperature and humidity of the mist sauna were set to 38°C and 96%, and the rest room temperature and humidity were set to 28°C and 52%.
In isotonic exercises with mist sauna, the oxygen uptake for 10 min, tympanic temperature and heart rate were all significantly increased, and the body weight was significantly decreased in comparison with exercise only. The oxygen uptake for 10 min during the exercise in the sauna was greater than the value found for exercise only. These results showed synergistic effects due to exercise and heating during the sauna.
These findings suggest that a condition of isotonic exercise with sauna advance energy metabolism in comparison with exercise only, and that we can use this to protect against metabolic syndrome and maintain health.
