A1 Journal article (refereed)
A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training (2023)

Ahokas, E. K., Ihalainen, J., Hanstock, H. G., Savolainen, E., & Kyröläinen, H. (2023). A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training. Biology of Sport, 40(3), 681-689. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2023.119289

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Ahokas, Essi K.; Ihalainen, Johanna; Hanstock, Helen G.; Savolainen, Eero; Kyröläinen, Heikki

Journal or series: Biology of Sport

ISSN: 0860-021X

eISSN: 2083-1862

Publication year: 2023

Volume: 40

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 681-689

Publisher: Termedia Sp. z.o.o.

Publication country: Poland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2023.119289

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/83303

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of a single infrared sauna (IRS) session on postexercise recovery of neuromuscular performance, autonomic nervous system function, subjective sleep quality, and muscle soreness. Male basketball players (n = 16) performed two trials consisting of a complex resistance exercise protocol (maximal strength with plyometrics), followed by either 20 min passive recovery (PAS) or IRS (temperature 43±5°C), in a randomized crossover design, with trials separated by one week. Recovery of neuromuscular performance was assessed using 20 m maximal sprint, maximal countermovement-jump (CMJ), and isometric leg press tests, performed 14 hours after exercise. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), sleep diary, muscle soreness, and indirect muscle damage markers were measured pre and post exercise. The decrease in CMJ performance from pre- to post-exercise was attenuated after IRS compared to PAS (p < 0.01). The IRS session resulted in higher HR and lower root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), and high and low frequency power, compared to PAS (p < 0.002). Post-exercise night-time HR and HRV did not differ following IRS vs. PAS. Muscle soreness was less severe, and perceived recovery was higher after IRS compared to PAS (p < 0.01). Post-exercise IRS attenuated the drop in explosive performance and decreased subjective muscle soreness after resistance training, which may enhance mood, readiness, and physical performance of an athlete. A single IRS session had no detrimental effects on recovery of the autonomic nervous system.

Keywords: autonomic nervous system; neuromuscular activity; infrared radiation; sauna bathing; training; recovery (return)

Free keywords: infrared radiation; recovery methods; autonomic nervous system; sauna; neuromuscular performance

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1