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Effects of Sauna bathing on Exercise Capacity and Muscle Function in HFpEF
Tarek Bekfani1,2, Ammar Abo Hwach1, Ricarda Moebert1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
European Journal of Heart Failure
|March 14, 2026
Summary
Regular sauna bathing improved exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). These benefits decreased after stopping sauna sessions, highlighting the need for continued use.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Limited treatment options exist to enhance exercise capacity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
- Sauna bathing is explored for its potential to improve cardiovascular health and skeletal muscle function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of supervised sauna bathing in stable HFpEF outpatients.
- To assess the impact of sauna bathing on exercise performance, skeletal muscle function, body composition, and quality of life (QoL).
Main Methods:
- A 10-week supervised sauna bathing intervention (twice weekly, 60°C) with progressive duration increase.
- Comprehensive assessments included cardiopulmonary exercise testing, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), muscle strength, QoL questionnaires, and body composition.
- Skeletal muscle biopsies were analyzed for structural and metabolic changes.
Main Results:
- Sauna bathing was safe and feasible, with high adherence and no adverse events.
- Significant improvements were observed in peak VO2, 6MWT, anaerobic threshold, quadriceps strength, diastolic function, and QoL scores.
- Benefits, including peak VO2 and anaerobic threshold, declined after sauna withdrawal, while body fat mass continuously decreased.
Conclusions:
- Supervised sauna bathing is a safe and effective intervention for improving exercise capacity, body composition, muscle function, and QoL in HFpEF patients.
- The positive effects of sauna bathing diminish upon discontinuation.
- A large-scale randomized controlled trial is planned to further validate these findings.
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