Effect of hot spring therapy on central fatigue during altitude training

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, stratified trial compares three recovery approaches for central fatigue in adolescent rowers training at about 1600 meters: natural recovery, 38°C pure water immersion, and 38°C hot spring immersion containing minerals. Participants are 12- to 16-year-old athletes allocated equally across groups over four weeks of altitude training, with assessments at baseline, mid-point, end of intervention, and shortly after return to sea level. Primary outcomes include measures of central fatigue such as voluntary activation and central activation ratio, while secondary outcomes cover cognitive tests, cerebral hemodynamics, athletic performance, and blood markers. The study uses partial blinding for the immersion groups and aims to determine if hot spring balneotherapy offers additive benefits beyond warm-water immersion for central fatigue recovery.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female aged 12-16 years- Healthy with no serious chronic diseases or skin conditions
* At least 1 year of systematic rowing training experience
* Currently undergoing centralized altitude training at approximately 1600 meters- No history of systematic hot spring or spa immersion within the past month
* No allergy history to sodium bicarbonate or hot spring minerals- Ability to provide written informed assent (participant) and written informed consent (parent/guardian)- No acute infection, fracture, or surgery within the past month
* Not currently taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immunosuppressants, or medications affecting autonomic or cognitive function

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, or neurological disorders- Uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension
* History of syncope, heat intolerance, or severe dizziness during hot water immersion- Open wounds, severe eczema, or other skin conditions contraindicating water immersion
* Current use of beta-blockers, anticholinergics, stimulants, sedatives, or other medications affecting central nervous system function
* Color blindness or uncorrected visual impairment affecting Stroop test performance- Pregnancy (for female participants)- Alcohol consumption or smoking
* Shift work or trans-meridian travel within 2 weeks prior to baseline assessment
* Any condition deemed by the investigator as unsafe for participation

Where it's running

• Macao Polytechnic University
  Macao, Macao, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ziyue Ou, PHD
• Email: p2521734@mpu.edu.mo
• Phone: +8615626121623

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.