[The effect of contrast baths on physical work capacity and autonomic regulation in hypertension patients]

Examining the impact of contrast baths (CB) having temperatures of 38-40 and 25-26 degrees C on the physical fitness, blood pressures, and autonomic regulatory parameters of patients with Stages I and II hypertensive disease has demonstrated that CB exerts a hypotensive effect, reduces the tonicity of the sympathetic nervous system, enhances physical fitness and saves oxygen for cardiac performance. The outcomes remained for 3-12 months. The findings provide evidence for that CB is a pathogenetic and effective hydrotherapeutic technique for patients with Stages I and II hypertensive disease. CB was ascertained to have a more pronounced action on the tonicity of the sympathetic nervous system, when it ends with a cool bath (25-26 degrees C), so it is mostly indicated for hypertensives with severe hypersympathicotonia.