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Elevating body termperature to reduce low-grade inflammation: a welcome strategy for those unable to exercise?
Sven P Hoekstra1,2, Nicolette C Bishop1, Christof A Leicht1,2
1School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences; Loughborough University; Loughborough; UK.
Exercise Immunology Review
|March 7, 2020
Summary
Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to chronic diseases. Both exercise and passive heat exposure, like sauna therapy, can reduce inflammation and improve metabolic health, offering alternatives for those with limited physical activity capacity.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Inflammation research
- Metabolic health
Background:
- Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Exercise training reduces inflammation by inducing acute responses that stimulate anti-inflammatory proteins.
- Sedentary populations, including the elderly and disabled, have increased disease risk and may not tolerate exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore active (exercise) and passive heating methods as alternatives to reduce chronic inflammation.
- To investigate the potential of passive heat therapy for individuals with limited physical capacity.
- To discuss the mechanisms by which heat exposure impacts inflammatory markers and metabolic health.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on exercise-induced inflammation.
- Analysis of research on passive heat exposure (hot water immersion, sauna) and inflammatory markers.
- Comparison of inflammatory responses to exercise in heat versus thermoneutral conditions.
Main Results:
- Exercise acutely increases pro-inflammatory markers, leading to chronic reductions.
- Passive heat exposure, similar to exercise, can increase inflammatory markers acutely and reduce them chronically.
- Heat exposure positively influences glycaemic control markers.
Conclusions:
- Both active and passive heating methods show potential for reducing chronic inflammation.
- Passive heat therapy offers a viable alternative for individuals unable to exercise regularly.
- Heat manipulation may be a promising strategy for improving metabolic health in sedentary or disabled populations.
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