Research: Steam increases physiological strain during sauna bathing
A newly published Finnish study demonstrates that, in addition to temperature, air humidity is a significant determinant of physiological strain during sauna bathing. As humidity increases, both heart rate and core temperature rise more markedly, indicating a greater cardiovascular and thermoregulatory load.
A Finnish study has revealed that humidity, specifically steam, plays a significant role in the physiological strain experienced during sauna bathing, alongside temperature. Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä and the Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport KIHU conducted experiments involving 50 healthy adults, measuring heart rates, core temperatures, and perceived heat levels during four sauna sessions.
The results showed that both temperature and humidity contributed to an increase in heart rate, with an average rise from 79 to 121 beats per minute over 10 minutes. While temperature remains the primary factor in elevating heart rate, steam also impacts core temperature. High humidity, generated by steam, hinders sweat evaporation, reducing the skin's primary cooling mechanism.
This makes the body's cardiovascular system work harder to maintain a stable temperature. The study's findings, published in the journal Temperature, suggest that steam's influence on sauna bathing has been previously underestimated. Researchers recommend that future studies and sauna practices should place greater emphasis on humidity, thoroughly examining and measuring sauna conditions.
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