Randomized Trial of Hot Spring Therapy to Reduce Central Fatigue and Improve Brain Function and Exercise in Adolescent Rowers Training at High Altitude

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 38C 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.

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