Hot springs boost altitude training for young athletes?

NCT ID NCT07608887

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether taking hot spring baths (38°C for 20 minutes, three times a week) helps healthy teen athletes adapt to training at 1600 meters altitude. 27 participants were split into three groups: hot spring baths, hot water baths, or standard recovery. Researchers measured heart rate variability, exercise performance, and other markers over 4 weeks. The goal was to see if balneotherapy improves recovery and performance, but the small size and short duration mean results are preliminary.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

balneotherapy (hot spring bathing)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to help athletes recover and perform better during high-altitude training.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-stage study (27 teens) that only measures short-term effects. Results may not apply to other groups or real-world training.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

altitude sickness autonomic nervous system disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Macao Polytechnic University

    Macao, China