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Effect of Hot Spring Therapy on Central Fatigue Elimination During Altitude Training (HSCF-AHT)

22 mei 2026 bijgewerkt door: Ziyue Ou, Macao Polytechnic University

A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of Hot Spring Therapy Balneotherapy on Central Activation, Cognitive Function, and Exercise Performance in Adolescent Rowers During Altitude Training

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of hot spring balneotherapy on central fatigue elimination in adolescent rowers undergoing altitude training at approximately 1600 meters (Tengchong, Yunnan). Thirty adolescent athletes (aged 12-16 years) will be stratified by sex and randomly allocated to three groups: Group A (natural recovery, no immersion), Group B (38°C pure water immersion), and Group C (38°C sodium bicarbonate hot spring immersion). Interventions will be administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes are central fatigue indices including voluntary activation (VA) and central activation ratio (CAR). Secondary outcomes encompass cognitive function (Stroop test, Psychomotor Vigilance Test), cerebral hemodynamics (functional near-infrared spectroscopy, transcranial Doppler ultrasound), exercise performance (maximal oxygen uptake, 1000m test, 500m test), blood lactate, and hematological parameters (white blood cells, neutrophils, platelets).

Studie Overzicht

Gedetailleerde beschrijving

Altitude training induces central fatigue characterized by decreased descending neural drive from the brain to skeletal muscle, reduced voluntary activation, and impaired cognitive function. This study employs a stratified randomized block design to evaluate whether post-exercise hot spring immersion can accelerate central fatigue recovery compared to pure warm water immersion and natural recovery. All participants will undergo standardized rowing training at approximately 1600 meters altitude. Group C will receive immersion in natural hot spring water at 38°C for 20 minutes. Group B will receive immersion in pure water at the same temperature and duration as a thermal control. Group A will undergo standard training recovery without immersion. The study incorporates partial blinding: Groups B and C are single-blinded to participants (identical appearance and protocol); Group A serves as an open-label control. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-altitude), mid-intervention (Week 2), end-intervention (Week 4), and follow-up (1-2 weeks post-altitude).

Studietype

Ingrijpend

Inschrijving (Geschat)

27

Fase

  • Niet toepasbaar

Contacten en locaties

In dit gedeelte vindt u de contactgegevens van degenen die het onderzoek uitvoeren en informatie over waar dit onderzoek wordt uitgevoerd.

Studiecontact

Studie Locaties

Deelname Criteria

Onderzoekers zoeken naar mensen die aan een bepaalde beschrijving voldoen, de zogenaamde geschiktheidscriteria. Enkele voorbeelden van deze criteria zijn iemands algemene gezondheidstoestand of eerdere behandelingen.

Geschiktheidscriteria

Leeftijden die in aanmerking komen voor studie

  • Kind

Accepteert gezonde vrijwilligers

Ja

Beschrijving

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male or female aged 12-16 years- Healthy with no serious chronic diseases or skin conditions
  • At least 1 year of systematic rowing training experience
  • Currently undergoing centralized altitude training at approximately 1600 meters- No history of systematic hot spring or spa immersion within the past month
  • No allergy history to sodium bicarbonate or hot spring minerals- Ability to provide written informed assent (participant) and written informed consent (parent/guardian)- No acute infection, fracture, or surgery within the past month
  • Not currently taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immunosuppressants, or medications affecting autonomic or cognitive function

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, or neurological disorders- Uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension
  • History of syncope, heat intolerance, or severe dizziness during hot water immersion- Open wounds, severe eczema, or other skin conditions contraindicating water immersion
  • Current use of beta-blockers, anticholinergics, stimulants, sedatives, or other medications affecting central nervous system function
  • Color blindness or uncorrected visual impairment affecting Stroop test performance- Pregnancy (for female participants)- Alcohol consumption or smoking
  • Shift work or trans-meridian travel within 2 weeks prior to baseline assessment
  • Any condition deemed by the investigator as unsafe for participation

Studie plan

Dit gedeelte bevat details van het studieplan, inclusief hoe de studie is opgezet en wat de studie meet.

Hoe is de studie opgezet?

Ontwerpdetails

  • Primair doel: Behandeling
  • Toewijzing: Gerandomiseerd
  • Interventioneel model: Parallelle opdracht
  • Masker: Enkel

Wapens en interventies

Deelnemersgroep / Arm
Interventie / Behandeling
Actieve vergelijker: Natural Recovery Group
Participants in Group A will undergo standardized rowing training at approximately 1600 meters altitude for 4 weeks. After each training session, participants will receive standard training recovery procedures without any water immersion intervention. Recovery includes passive rest, self-directed light stretching, and ad libitum hydration in a thermoneutral environment (room temperature 24°C) for 20 minutes. No thermal or hydrotherapy intervention will be provided.
Standard post-exercise recovery without water immersion. Participants rest passively in a thermoneutral environment (24°C, 50-60% humidity) for 20 minutes with ad libitum water and optional self-directed stretching. No heat, cold, or hydrotherapy interventions are applied.
Andere namen:
  • NR
Actieve vergelijker: Hot water immersion group
Subjects in Group B will undergo the same standardized rowing training at an altitude of approximately 1600 meters for 4 weeks. After each training session, subjects will receive whole-body immersion (below the neck, with the head above water) in daily tap water at 38°C ± 0.5°C for 20 minutes. The water temperature is monitored by a precision thermometer with an error of ≤ ±0.5°C. The immersion is conducted in a standardized indoor facility, and the time is 16:00 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
After exercise, full-body immersion in daily tap water. Temperature: 38°C ± 0.5°C. Duration: 20 minutes per session, 3 times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 16:00), for 4 consecutive weeks (total of 12 sessions). Protocol: Full-body immersion below the neck for 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute rest before leaving the facility.
Andere namen:
  • HWI
Experimenteel: Hot Spring Immersion Group
Participants in Group C will undergo the same standardized rowing training at approximately 1600 meters altitude for 4 weeks. After each training session, participants will receive full-body immersion (below neck, head above water) in natural hot spring water at 38°C ± 0.5°C for 20 minutes. The spring water has a pH of approximately 7.4, Na+ content of 1210 mg/L, and HCO3- content of approximately 3300 mg/L. Immersion will be performed in a standardized indoor facility on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 16:00, using the same protocol as Group B to maintain blinding.
After exercise, full-body immersion in natural hot spring water (pH approx. 7.4, Na+ 1210 mg/L, HCO3- approx. 3300 mg/L, total dissolved solids >1000 mg/L). Temperature: 38°C ± 0.5°C. Duration: 20 minutes per session, 3 times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 16:00), for 4 consecutive weeks (12 sessions total). Protocol: Full-body immersion below the neck for 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute rest before leaving the facility.
Andere namen:
  • HSB

Wat meet het onderzoek?

Primaire uitkomstmaten

Uitkomstmaat
Maatregel Beschrijving
Tijdsspanne
Voluntary Activation
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 3, Week 4 (post-intervention), Follow-up (Week 1-2 post-altitude)
Voluntary activation assessed by the interpolated twitch technique (ITT) during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the quadriceps femoris using percutaneous electrical stimulation. A single stimulus is superimposed on MVC; VA is calculated as: VA = (1 - superimposed twitch force / potentiated resting doublet force) × 100%. Higher VA indicates greater central neural drive. Unit: percentage (%).
Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 3, Week 4 (post-intervention), Follow-up (Week 1-2 post-altitude)
Central Activation Ratio
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Follow-up (Week 5-6 post-altitude)
Central activation ratio measured as the ratio of maximal voluntary contraction force to the force evoked by supramaximal electrical stimulation of the femoral nerve during quadriceps contraction. CAR = MVC force / (MVC force + superimposed twitch force). Values closer to 1.0 indicate less central fatigue. Unit: ratio (0-1, no units).
Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Follow-up (Week 5-6 post-altitude)

Secundaire uitkomstmaten

Uitkomstmaat
Maatregel Beschrijving
Tijdsspanne
Stroop Test Performance
Tijdsspanne: Baseline, Week 2,Week 4, Follow-up (Week 1-2 post-altitude)
Computerized Stroop Color-Word Test measuring executive function and cognitive inhibition. Outcome variables: reaction time (ms) for congruent and incongruent trials, with interference effect calculated as incongruent minus congruent reaction time. Administered in a quiet, temperature-controlled room (22-24°C). Unit: milliseconds (ms).
Baseline, Week 2,Week 4, Follow-up (Week 1-2 post-altitude)
Cerebral Oxygenation
Tijdsspanne: Baseline, Week 2, fellow up
Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (Hb) in the prefrontal cortex during rest and cognitive tasks, measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with a multichannel system. Outcome: relative concentration changes (ΔμM) in HbO2 and Hb from baseline. Unit: micromolar (μM).
Baseline, Week 2, fellow up
Psychomotor Vigilance Test
Tijdsspanne: Baseline, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Follow-up (Week 1-2 post-altitude)
5-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Test measuring sustained attention and psychomotor vigilance. Outcome variables: mean response time, and number of lapses (reaction time >500 ms). Administered via standardized software on a tablet/computer in a quiet environment. Unit: milliseconds (ms).
Baseline, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Follow-up (Week 1-2 post-altitude)
Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline (Week 0), Follow-up (Week 5-6 post-altitude)
Maximal oxygen uptake measured during a graded exercise test on a rowing ergometer using a portable metabolic cart. Protocol: incremental ramp test (starting at 100W, increasing 20W every 2 minutes) until volitional exhaustion. Unit: mL/kg/min.
Baseline (Week 0), Follow-up (Week 5-6 post-altitude)
White Blood Cell Count (WBC)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline, Week 2, Follow up (Week 5-6 post-altitude)
Total white blood cell count measured from fasting venous blood sample using automated hematology analyzer. Unit: 10^9 cells per liter (10^9/L).
Baseline, Week 2, Follow up (Week 5-6 post-altitude)
Neutrophil Count (NEUT)
Tijdsspanne: Baseline, Week 2, Follow-up (Week 5-6 post-altitude)
Absolute neutrophil count measured from fasting venous blood sample using automated hematology analyzer. Unit: 10^9/L. Baseline, Week 4 11 Platelet Count (PLT) Platelet count measured from fasting venous blood sample using automated hematology analyzer. Unit: 10^9/L.
Baseline, Week 2, Follow-up (Week 5-6 post-altitude)

Medewerkers en onderzoekers

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Publicaties en nuttige links

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Algemene publicaties

Studie record data

Deze datums volgen de voortgang van het onderzoeksdossier en de samenvatting van de ingediende resultaten bij ClinicalTrials.gov. Studieverslagen en gerapporteerde resultaten worden beoordeeld door de National Library of Medicine (NLM) om er zeker van te zijn dat ze voldoen aan specifieke kwaliteitscontrolenormen voordat ze op de openbare website worden geplaatst.

Bestudeer belangrijke data

Studie start (Geschat)

25 mei 2026

Primaire voltooiing (Geschat)

25 juni 2026

Studie voltooiing (Geschat)

25 juni 2026

Studieregistratiedata

Eerst ingediend

19 mei 2026

Eerst ingediend dat voldeed aan de QC-criteria

22 mei 2026

Eerst geplaatst (Werkelijk)

29 mei 2026

Updates van studierecords

Laatste update geplaatst (Werkelijk)

29 mei 2026

Laatste update ingediend die voldeed aan QC-criteria

22 mei 2026

Laatst geverifieerd

1 mei 2026

Meer informatie

Termen gerelateerd aan deze studie

Plan Individuele Deelnemersgegevens (IPD)

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Beschrijving IPD-plan

The project is still ongoing, and there are no current plans to contribute the data. Whether to share it will be considered after the data is officially published.

Informatie over medicijnen en apparaten, studiedocumenten

Bestudeert een door de Amerikaanse FDA gereguleerd geneesmiddel

Nee

Bestudeert een door de Amerikaanse FDA gereguleerd apparaatproduct

Nee

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