Hot baths before or after exercise to speed muscle recovery and boost HSP70
Official title: Effects of Hot Baths Prior or After a Damaging Protocol on Muscle Function and HSP70 Expression
Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens · NCT07559344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amiens) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 2027 |
| Study ends | February 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07559344 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.