The study conducted by Junichi Iiyama and colleagues explored the effects of low-temperature sauna bathing (LTSB) at 60°C for 15 minutes on patients with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly those suffering from poor peripheral circulation and low cardiac output. The researchers used non-invasive methods to assess systemic and peripheral circulatory changes in 16 CP patients, aged 19 to 53, who also experienced symptoms such as chilled extremities and chronic myalgia. The results showed that after a single LTSB session, there was a significant increase in the patients’ deep body temperature (by 1°C), heart rate, and a decrease in total peripheral resistance by 11%. The cardiac output increased by 14%, and notable improvements were seen in blood flow velocity and other peripheral circulation parameters. Importantly, the study found that LTSB alleviated numbness and chronic pain in the extremities, with no adverse effects observed, suggesting that this therapy could benefit CP patients by improving their circulatory health.
This research highlights the potential of infrared or low-temperature sauna therapy as a therapeutic tool for improving biological functions in patients with impaired circulation. Infrared therapy, which often operates at lower temperatures compared to traditional saunas, has been shown to enhance blood circulation by dilating blood vessels, improving cardiac output, and increasing tissue oxygenation. In the context of CP patients, the LTSB treatment improved peripheral circulation, which can significantly enhance their quality of life by reducing symptoms of poor circulation and muscle pain. The study, conducted by Iiyama, Matsushita, Tanaka, and Kawahira, underscores the clinical applicability of sauna therapies in treating circulatory disorders, potentially offering a non-invasive, safe, and effective way to manage conditions that affect blood flow and overall cardiovascular function.
