Hemodynamic and vascular effects of different durations of lower-leg hot-water immersion

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2026

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Authors: Kyla D. Coates, Stephen P. Wright, Liam C. Stewart, JOHN P. SASSO, Kate Nicole Thomas, Neil D. Eves
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00309.2025
Cited by: 1
References: 52

Abstract

A longer duration footbath may not be better for cardiovascular benefits in older adults. Leg blood flow increases, and ambulatory blood pressure is reduced similarly with 30, 45, and 60 min of lower-leg hot-water immersion. However, only a 45-min footbath improves endothelial function compared with a thermoneutral sham immersion. Forty-five minutes is the most favorable acute dose of lower-leg hot-water immersion and may be the most suitable for chronic interventions seeking to improve cardiovascular health.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Thermoregulation and physiological responses Cardiovascular and exercise physiology Cardiovascular Health and Disease Prevention

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
4
Pages
R336–R346
Publication date
2 March 2026
Language
EN