AUTHOR=Ahokas Essi K. , Hanstock Helen G. , Kyröläinen Heikki , Ihalainen Johanna K. 

TITLE=Effects of repeated use of post-exercise infrared sauna on neuromuscular performance and muscle hypertrophy

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=Volume 7 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1462901

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2025.1462901

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate whether regular use of infrared sauna (IRS) after training can promote neuromuscular performance and positive changes in body composition during a 6-week training period.MethodsForty female team sport athletes were pair-matched into two groups: IRS (n = 20) and control (CON; n = 20). Physical performance tests, body composition and hypertrophy measurements (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and ultrasound of m. vastus lateralis) were performed PRE and POST a 6-week strength and power training period, involving 2–3 sessions per week. Performance tests included a 20 m sprint, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jumps with body weight (CMJ) as well as with 15, 25, and 50% additional load (CMJ15%, CMJ25%, and CMJ50%), and a maximal isometric leg press (MVC). Participants in the IRS-group used IRS (10 min, 50℃) after training three times per week.ResultsTraining improved neuromuscular performance and muscle hypertrophy in both groups (p < 0.05). Following the discovery of an interaction effect for CMJ15% height (p = 0.002) and peak power (p = 0.010), post hoc tests revealed higher jump height POST-IRS (p = 0.006) and PRE-CON (p = 0.023) compared to PRE-IRS, and higher peak power POST-IRS (p = 0.002) compared to PRE-IRS. Furthermore, an interaction effect was observed for 5 m split time of the 20 m sprint (p = 0.020), but no differences were found between groups and timepoints. There were no interactions for the hypertrophy measures.ConclusionIncorporating post-exercise IRS bathing does not significantly impact hypertrophy gains, but might boost long-term power production capabilities.