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Hot spring and sauna use for improving blood lipid profiles: A systematic review and expert consensus on efficacy and
Satoshi Yamasaki1, Tomotake Tokunou2, Yusuke Kashiwado3
1Department of Hematology, St. Mary's Hospital, Kurume 830-8543, Japan.
Objectives:
Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Traditional treatments often focus on pharmacological interventions; however, alternative therapies, such as hot spring and sauna use, have recently gained attention because of their potentially beneficial effects on lipid profiles and cardiovascular health.
Design And Setting:
This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the efficacy of hot spring and sauna use, alone or combined with exercise therapy, in improving blood lipid profiles, with a focus on mechanisms, benefits, and limitations.
Methods:
The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A search of 330 records across major databases identified 127 studies for blinded screening using Rayyan (a web-based application for conducting systematic reviews). Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of hot spring and sauna use on lipid profiles in adults were included.
Results:
Four RCTs in younger adults (mean age < 60 years) demonstrated that hot spring and sauna use resulted in reductions in serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; these therapies were given a weak expert recommendation. Three RCTs in older adults (mean age ≥ 60 years) showed no significant blood lipid changes.
Conclusions:
In younger adults, hot spring and sauna use, particularly when combined with exercise therapy, may contribute to improved lipid profiles. Emerging evidence from intervention studies could inform future guidelines for integrating these therapies into dyslipidemia management strategies.
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