Effects of sauna on flexibility, muscle strength and cortisol level in people with allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Backgrounds : Nowadays, the role of thermotherapy has been increase for therapeutic purposes. Sauna is known as a heat modality for relaxation, skin circulation, flexibility and pain reduction. It should be useful to alter muscle activity and reduce stress in people with allergic rhinitis. The advantage of sauna is muscle relaxation and increase of blood flow. It would be useful to know the effects of sauna in altering muscle and cortisol level in people with allergic rhinitis in order to determine suitable alternative treatment. However, none of studies has reported the effect of sauna on flexibility, muscle strength and cortisol level in people with allergic rhinitis. Therefore, sauna was the one type of alternative treatment for patients in the future.

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate effects of sauna on flexibility, strength and cortisol level in people with allergic rhinitis.

Setting : Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Design : Randomized-controlled trial

Methodology : Twenty-six allergic rhinitis volunteers aged 18 - 30 years old were diagnosed based on history, physical examination and positive reaction from skin prick test. Subjects were randomly assigned either into experimental sauna group or control group. Control group (n = 13; 7 women, 6 men) received education about self-care and avoidance of allergen. Sauna group (n = 13; 7 women, 6 men) had sauna for a sixweek period, 3 days per week, with 6 sets of 5 minutes per set per day, totaling 30 minutes. Each 5 minute set was alternated with a 5-min period of rest. Cortisol level, strength and flexibility were measured at the beginning, then at three and six weeks.

Results : There was a statistically significant increase in flexibility (p = 0.042) and strength (p = 0.048) after 6 weeks of sauna compared with the control group. On the contrary, there was a statistically significant decrease in cortisol level (p = 0.004) after 3 weeks of sauna compared with the control group, with a rise to baseline after 6 weeks.

Conclusion : Sauna can reduce stress hormone in short term, and increase in trunk flexibility and back strength in people with allergic rhinitis.