Journal article
The effect of heat therapy on blood pressure and peripheral vascular function: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Experimental Physiology, Vol.106(6), pp.1317-1334
2021
PMID: 33866630
Abstract
Background : Lifelong sauna exposure is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Recent studies have investigated the effect of heat therapy on markers of cardiovascular health. We aimed to conduct a systematic review with meta‐analysis to determine the effects of heat therapy on blood pressure and indices of vascular function in healthy and clinical populations
Methods : Four databases were searched up to September 2020 for studies investigating heat therapy on outcomes including blood pressure and vascular function. GRADE was used to assess the certainty of evidence
Results : 4522 titles were screened, and 15 studies were included. Healthy and clinical populations were included. Heat exposure was 30–90 minutes, over 10–36 sessions. Compared with control, heat therapy reduced MAP (n = 4 studies; mean difference (MD): ‐5.86 mmHg, 95% CI: ‐8.63, ‐3.10; p < 0.0001), SBP (n = 10; MD: ‐3.94 mmHg, 95% CI: ‐7.22, ‐0.67; p = 0.02), and DBP (n = 9; MD: ‐3.88 mmHg, 95% CI: ‐6.13, ‐1.63; p = 0.0007), and improved FMD (n = 5; MD:1.95%, 95% CI: 0.14, 3.76; p = 0.03). Resting HR was unchanged (n = 10; MD: ‐1.25 bpm; 95% CI: ‐3.20 to 0.70 bpm; p = 0.21). Early evidence also suggests benefit for arterial stiffness and cutaneous microvascular function. Evidence certainty was moderate for the effect of heat therapy on SBP, DBP and HR and low for the effect of heat therapy on MAP and FMD
Conclusion : Heat therapy is an effective therapeutic tool to reduce blood pressure and improve macrovascular function. Future research should aim to optimize heat therapy, including by mode and dose, for the prevention and management of CVD.
Details
- Title
- The effect of heat therapy on blood pressure and peripheral vascular function: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors
- Faith K Pizzey (Author) - The University of QueenslandEmily C Smith (Author) - The University of QueenslandStefanie L Ruediger (Author) - The University of QueenslandShelley E Keating (Author) - The University of QueenslandChristopher D Askew (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyJeff S Coombes (Author) - The University of QueenslandTom G Bailey (Corresponding Author) - The University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Experimental Physiology, Vol.106(6), pp.1317-1334
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1113/EP089424
- ISSN
- 1469-445X
- PMID
- 33866630
- Copyright note
- Copyright (c) 2021. The author accepted version is reproduced here in accordance with the publisher's copyright policy.
- Organisation Unit
- UniSC Clinical Trials Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99526506202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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