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Effects of Post-Exercise Heat Exposure on Acute Recovery and Training-Induced Performance Adaptations: A Systematic
Essi K Ahokas1, Richard S Hennessy2, Helen G Hanstock3
1Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland. essi.k.ahokas@jyu.fi.
Sports Medicine - Open
|October 1, 2025
Summary
Post-exercise heat exposure effects on athletic recovery and performance are unclear. While some studies suggest benefits for running in heat, more high-quality research is needed to confirm findings.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Heat Stress Research
Background:
- Whole-body heat exposure (e.g., sauna, hot water immersion) can enhance athletic performance.
- The impact of post-exercise heat exposure on acute recovery and training adaptations remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence on post-exercise heat exposure's effects on physical performance in healthy adults.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search (PubMed, SPOLIT, Medline, SPORTDiscus) following PRISMA guidelines.
- Included randomized or crossover trials comparing post-exercise heat exposure (≥36°C) to passive recovery.
- Assessed risk of bias using Cochrane Tool v2; focused on maximal physical performance outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fourteen studies (194 participants) met criteria; nine examined acute effects, five long-term.
- Acute heat exposure yielded uncertain results: no, beneficial, or adverse effects on recovery.
- Chronic studies indicated potential running performance improvements in heat, but no effect on cycling or VO2max.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is insufficient to definitively conclude on post-exercise heat exposure's impact on recovery and performance development.
- High-quality studies are required to identify optimal heat exposure protocols for different training goals.
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