Actively Recruiting
Effect of Hot Spring Therapy on Central Activation, Cognitive Function, and Exercise Performance in Adolescent Rowers During Altitude Training
Led by Macao Polytechnic University · Updated on 2026-05-29
27
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of hot spring balneotherapy on reducing central fatigue in adolescent rowers aged 12 to 16 years who are undergoing altitude training at about 1600 meters. The trial aims to compare natural recovery, warm water immersion, and hot spring immersion to see how each method influences brain-to-muscle activation, cognitive function, and exercise performance during this training. This randomized controlled trial uses a single-blind design for the immersion groups and is sponsored by Macao Polytechnic University. Participants are divided into three groups: one with natural recovery involving passive rest and stretching without water immersion; a second group receiving whole-body immersion in pure water at 38°C for 20 minutes, three times per week; and a third group undergoing hot spring water immersion with specific mineral content at the same temperature and frequency. All groups perform standardized rowing training for four weeks at altitude. Interventions happen on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoons, with immersion sessions followed by rest. During the study, participants will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (week 2), end of intervention (week 4), and follow-up 1 to 2 weeks after altitude training ends. Researchers will measure central fatigue indicators such as voluntary activation and central activation ratio, cognitive tests including the Stroop test and Psychomotor Vigilance Test, cerebral blood flow, exercise capacity, and blood markers like lactate and white blood cell counts. The study monitors changes in these measures to understand how the different recovery methods affect fatigue and performance in adolescent athletes.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Hot Spring Therapy on Central Fatigue Elimination During Altitude Training
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 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
You will not qualify if you...
- 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
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants undergo standardized rowing training at approximately 1600 meters altitude for 4 weeks. Depending on their group, participants receive either standard post-exercise recovery without water immersion, full-body immersion in daily tap water at 38°C for 20 minutes three times per week, or full-body immersion in natural hot spring water at 38°C for 20 minutes three times per week.
3 visits per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) for immersion sessions or recovery procedures
Duration - 1 to 2 weeks
Participants are monitored 1 to 2 weeks after altitude training to assess recovery and long-term effects on central activation, cognitive function, and exercise performance.
1 to 2 visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Macao Polytechnic University
Macao, Macao, China
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Z
Ziyue Ou, PHD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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