Actively Recruiting
Effects of Hot Spring Bath Therapy on Cognitive Function, Brain Blood Flow, and Exercise Performance During Altitude Training in Healthy Youth
Led by Macao Polytechnic University · Updated on 2026-05-27
27
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how hot spring bath therapy might help athletes aged 11 to 17 recover cognitive function, improve brain blood flow, and boost athletic performance during altitude training. This randomized controlled trial compares three groups: one using hot spring baths, another using hot water baths, and a control group receiving standard recovery after training at 1600 meters altitude. The study aims to find non-drug methods to support brain adaptation and cognitive recovery in young athletes training at high altitude. Participants will undergo four weeks of altitude training, then be randomly assigned to one of three groups. The hot spring group will receive whole-body immersion in natural hot spring water at 38°C for 20 minutes, three times a week. The hot water group will have similar immersion in tap water at the same temperature and frequency. The control group will rest passively in a room at 24°C with mild hydration and stretching but no water immersion. Each immersion session is followed by a 10-minute rest. During the study, participants will complete tests measuring attention and cognitive speed, such as the Stroop test and psychomotor vigilance test, at several points during and after training. Brain oxygen levels and blood flow will be monitored using special imaging methods. Exercise capacity will be checked through running tests and oxygen uptake measurements. Blood tests will assess lactate levels and blood cell counts. These assessments happen at baseline, during the training weeks, and after returning from altitude, with safety and recovery carefully monitored throughout.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Hot Spring Therapy on Cognitive Function Recovery During Altitude Training
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male or female aged 11 to 17 years
- Regular endurance training at least 3 sessions per week for 2 or more years
- No altitude exposure above 2000 meters in the past 3 months
- No contraindications to hot water immersion such as uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiovascular disease, or open wounds
- Ability to provide written informed consent
- Willingness to avoid other recovery methods like massage, cryotherapy, or compression garments during the study
- No color blindness or uncorrected vision problems affecting Stroop test performance
You will not qualify if you...
- History of cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney, or endocrine disorders
- Current use of medications affecting autonomic function or cognition such as beta-blockers, stimulants, or sedatives
- History of fainting, heat intolerance, or neurological disorders
- Recent acute musculoskeletal injury within 6 months
- Regular use of sauna, hot tub, or spa within the past month
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Shift work or long-distance travel within 2 weeks before baseline
- Alcohol consumption over 14 units per week or smoking
- History of traumatic brain injury, stroke, or psychiatric disorders
AI-Screening
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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 4 weeks of altitude training at 1600 meters with assigned recovery methods. The control group receives standard recovery with passive rest; the hot water immersion group receives 20-minute hot water immersion three times per week; the hot spring immersion group receives 20-minute natural hot spring therapy three times per week.
Three times per week visits for hot water or hot spring immersion groups; daily training sessions for all participants
Duration - 1 week
Participants complete post-intervention assessments one week after descending from altitude to evaluate cognitive function and physical performance.
1 follow-up visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Macao Polytechnic University
Macao, China
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Z
Ziyue Ou, PHD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
3
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