RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07615478

Effect of Hot Spring Therapy on Central Fatigue Elimination During Altitude Training

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

Sponsor

Macao Polytechnic University

Enrollment

27 participants

Start Date

May 25, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Cognitive Impairment Sports Performance Central Fatigue Altitude Training Hydrotherapy Balneotherapy

Summary

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).

Eligibility

Min Age: 12 YearsMax Age: 16 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a behavioral approach called Hot spring balneotherapy, a behavioral approach called Hot water immersion, and others for people with altitude training, balneotherapy, and other related conditions. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 12 Years to 16 Years.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALNatural recovery

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.

BEHAVIORALHot water immersion

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.

BEHAVIORALHot spring balneotherapy

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.