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Int J Sports Med 2016; 37(10): 757-765
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-106899
Physiology & Biochemistry
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Repeated Warm Water Immersion Induces Similar Cerebrovascular Adaptations to 8 Weeks of Moderate-Intensity Exercise Training in Females

T. G. Bailey
1   School of Health and Sport Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Australia
2   Liverpool John Moores University, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
,
N. T. Cable
1   School of Health and Sport Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Australia
4   Department of Sports Science, Aspire Academy, Qatar
,
G. D. Miller
1   School of Health and Sport Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Australia
,
V. S. Sprung
3   Department of Obesity and Endocrinology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
,
D. A. Low
1   School of Health and Sport Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Australia
,
H. Jones
1   School of Health and Sport Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 29 March 2016

Publication Date:
10 June 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Exercise training has the potential to enhance cerebrovascular function. Warm water immersion has recently been shown to enhance vascular function including the cerebrovascular response to heating. We suggest that passive heating can be used alternatively to exercise. Our aim was to compare the effects of exercise with warm-water immersion training on cerebrovascular and thermoregulatory function. 18 females (25±5 y) performed 8 weeks of cycling (70% HRmax) or warm water immersion (42°C) for 30 min 3 times per week. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and peak cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) were measured prior to and following both interventions. A passive heat stress was employed to obtain temperature thresholds (Tb) and sensitivities for sweat rate (SR) and cutaneous vasodilation (CVC). Middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) was measured throughout. FMD and VO2peak improved following both interventions (p<0.05). MCAv and cerebrovascular conductance were higher at rest and during passive heating (p<0.001 and <0.001, respectively) following both interventions. SR occurred at a lower Tb following both interventions and SR sensitivity also increased, with a larger increase at the chest (p<0.001) following water immersion. CVC occurred at a lower Tb (p<0.001) following both interventions. Warm water immersion elicits similar cerebrovascular, conduit, and thermoregulatory adaptations compared to a period of moderate-intensity exercise training.

Key words

cerebral blood flow - thermoregulation - exercise training - warm water immersion - vascular function
 

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