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Effects of regular sauna bathing in conjunction with exercise on cardiovascular function: a multi-arm, randomized controlled trial

Eight-week three-arm RCT (n=47) in sedentary adults with CVD risk factors: guideline-based exercise plus 15-minute post-exercise sauna lowered systolic BP by 8.0 mmHg versus exercise alone and increased cardiorespiratory fitness (+2.7 mL/kg/min incremental gain vs exercise alone).

Design

  • n = 47; 49 ± 9 y; low activity + ≥1 classic CVD risk factor
  • Arms (8 wk): EXS = guideline exercise + 15 min post-exercise sauna; EXE = exercise alone; CON = control

Between-arm contrasts (abstract highlights)

  • CRF (VO₂-style estimate): EXE +6.2 mL/kg/min (95% CI +4.2 to +8.3) vs CON; EXS +2.7 (+0.2 to +5.3) vs EXE (incremental sauna signal)
  • Systolic BP: EXS −8.0 mmHg (95% CI −14.6 to −1.4) vs EXE
  • Total cholesterol: EXS lower vs EXE (read full text for lipid panels)

Evidence hygiene

Pragmatic Finnish-style sauna add-on to supervised exercise—not a dry-sauna-only dose–response trial and not interchangeable with CAD sauna RCTs (Debray 2023).

Publication

Lee E, Kolunsarka I, Kostensalo J, et al. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2022 Sep 1;323(3):R289–R299. PMID 35785965.

Outcomes

  • Systolic Blood Pressure
    -8
    mmHg (Millimetres of Mercury)
  • VO₂max (Maximal Oxygen Uptake)
    2.7
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