Hot baths before or after exercise to speed muscle recovery and boost HSP70
Effects of Hot Baths Prior or After a Damaging Protocol on Muscle Function and HSP70 Expression
NA · Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens · NCT07559344
This trial will test whether taking a hot bath before or after intense muscle-lengthening exercise helps speed recovery and increase protective HSP70 levels in healthy athletic men.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Amiens) |
| Trial ID | NCT07559344 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional protocol enrolled healthy, athletic men aged 19–25 who train in track and field and compared passive whole-body heating (immersion) given either before or after a damaging eccentric exercise protocol. Heating aimed to raise core temperature above 38.5°C for about 20 minutes; muscle damage was induced and quantified using an isokinetic dynamometer. Outcomes included muscle function and strength (isokinetic testing), soreness and pain thresholds (pressure algometer), tissue oxygenation (NIRS), vascular responses (Hokanson armband), and HSP70 expression. Measurements were collected over the first 48 hours to capture both the thermal HSP peak and the biphasic mechanical stress response.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy, physically active male track-and-field athletes aged 19–25 who train about 10–12 hours per week and meet the study's health and consent criteria.
Not a fit: People older than 26, those with low weekly activity, recent lower-limb injuries, orthostatic hypotension or dizziness, or individuals unable to consent are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could shorten recovery time, reduce post-exercise soreness, and enhance cellular protective responses in athletes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and human studies show passive heating and exercise each raise HSP levels and that combined thermal plus mechanical stress can produce a larger, faster HSP response, but the best timing in humans is not yet established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Sex: Healthy, athletic men practicing track and field (10 to 12 hours/week) * Age: 19 to 25 years old * Social security coverage * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Age over 26 years * Low level of physical activity (less than 8 hours per week) * Recent sprain (type 1, 2, or 3) or ligament rupture in the lower limb (within the last 8 months) * Exposure to an altitude of 2500m within 15 days prior to the protocol * Presence of arterial hypotension: * Systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg * Diastolic blood pressure below 60 mmHg * A drop in systolic blood pressure greater than 20 mmHg upon moving from a lying to a standing position. * A drop in diastolic blood pressure greater than 10 mmHg upon moving from a lying to a standing position. * Presence of dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision upon moving from a lying to a standing position. * Participant under guardianship/conservatorship or deprived of liberty.
Where this trial is running
Amiens
- CHRU Amiens — Amiens, France (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yannis Hamidou, MD
- Email: Hamidou.yannis@chu-amiens.fr
- Phone: 33+3 22 66 82 48
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Recovery, Mechanical Stress, Heat Stress, HSP70, Cumulative Response, Hot-water Immersion, mechanical stress, heat stress