In a dissertation completed at the Faculty of Physical Education of the University of Jyväskylä (12.5.2023), it was shown that sauna use can have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, especially after exercise. This dissertation by Earric Lee gives great news to all sauna lovers and encourages even more people to enjoy the soft Löyly´s.
This study was done in two parts where the first part showed that two quarter-length saunas, with a short cooling break in between, lowered blood pressure and blood vessel stiffness indices. The effects were prolonged if, 15 minutes before the sauna, a short aerobic exercise was also performed.
In the second part of the study, middle-aged adults with at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor participated in an eight-week physical activity intervention in which the physical activity recommendations of the UKK institute’s national guidelines were followed. Another group of participants regularly went to sauna for 15 minutes after exercise, while the other group exercised without sauna.
Both sauna and exercise can be beneficial for the human heart, but this new research proves that together they have joint effects that lead to even better cardiovascular adaptations. It has been established that after exercise, factors related to the growth of blood vessels and insulin sensitivity increase, and blood fat values and blood pressure decrease. In his research Earric Lee shows that these effects can be further enhanced if the sauna is done after exercise.
“- The study showed that regular exercise could improve the condition of the cardiovascular system and reduce the body mass index. However, sauna combined with regular exercise improved the condition of the cardiovascular system more and systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol values also decreased.”
– Earric Lee
The full study can be found HERE.
