Effects of Lower-Legs Warm-Water Immersion on Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Hypertensive Patients: a Pilot Study
Keywords:
Warm water immersion, Hypertension, Arterial stiffnessAbstract
Endothelial cell dysfunction causes arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients and contributes to the development of other chronic illnesses. Because warm-water immersion can improve the vascular functions, this study was aimed to evaluate its effect on changes in blood pressure and arterial stiffness in stage 1 hypertensive female patients (n=10). Their lower legs were immersed in 40-42 °C warm water for 30 minutes, 3 times/week for 8 weeks. The study shows a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) (p<0.001) post intervention, with no adverse effects. According to the findings, it can be concluded that immersion of the lower legs in warm water may become one of the simple and effective treatments for improving vascular function in the future.
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