Thermal post-exercise recovery in athletes and physically active individuals

Title: Thermal post-exercise recovery in athletes and physically active individuals Objectives: The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the impact of post-exercise thermal procedures (sauna, infrared sauna, hot water immersion, and passive heating) on recovery in athletes and physically active individuals. Methods: The bachelor's thesis was prepared as a review study. Relevant scientific literature was searched in the PubMed and Web of Science databases based on predefined criteria. Studies examining the application of post-exercise thermal procedures in athletic and physically active populations were included in the final analysis. Results: A total of 15 studies were included in the review. The results show that the effects of thermal recovery procedures are mixed and largely dependent on the type of procedure, its intensity, timing relative to exercise, the type of sport, and the training level of the participants. Acute positive effects were more often observed in subjective recovery measures, while changes in performance and neuromuscular outcomes were less consistent. Long-term use of thermal procedures appeared to be adaptation-neutral in most studies. Conclusions: Based on the results of this review analysis, it can be concluded that the effects of thermal recovery procedures are inconsistent...