Effects of sauna after aerobic exercise on lipid profile, body composition, and muscle soreness in obese and non-obese men
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v72.112740Keywords:
dry sauna, infrared sauna, lipid profile, body composition, muscle sorenessAbstract
Objective: This study aims to test the incremental effects of a single dry sauna session and infrared sauna exposure as recovery modalities after aerobic exercise on lipid profile, body composition, and muscle soreness in obese and non-obese men.
Methodology: Sixteen obese men (G1; age:20.25±1.24) and sixteen non-obese men (G2; age:20.75±0.93) participated in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive all treatments (crossover design) with a 7-day measurement interval, including a dry sauna (DS, 40±2°C), an infrared sauna (IRS, 45±2°C), and sitting still (CTR, room temperature). Subjects performed aerobic exercise with an ergometer at a moderate intensity for 60 minutes. The parameters measured were lipid profile, body composition, and muscle soreness.
Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in HDL levels in G2 (IRS, CTR). Significant (p<0.05) increase in total cholesterol levels in G2 (IRS). Significant reduction in visceral fat level in G1 (DS, IRS, CTR) but not in G2. Significant increases in bone mass were observed in G1 (CTR) and G2 (DS). No significant differences in VAS values in all modalities.
Discussion: The addition of a recovery modality session failed to significantly change the lipid profile and body composition of subjects in both groups. Long-term chronic studies are needed to clarify the results. Based on the findings, we recommend the addition of IRS after exercise in obesity, based on the reduction in triglyceride and visceral fat levels. In the non-obese, passive recovery is the most effective.
Conclusions: Further research with longer interventions is needed to complement the findings.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Oce Wiriawan, Arifah Kaharina, Hari Setijono, Anindya Mar’atus Sholikhah, A Burhanuddin Kusuma Nugraha, Sapto Wibowo, Idzam Kholid Akbar, Shidqi Hamdi Pratama Putera
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