Rehabilitation training in artificially heated environment

Abstract

Sauna has become a popular club house facility where the dweller en-joys relaxation. Some exercise groups like yoga and Qigong practi-tioners, are making use of the heated environment to achieve quicker and better results of trainings. Sauna therapy is producing a thermal stress through hyperthermia. The cardiovascular system readily re-sponds by increasing the heart rate which can become double the rest-ing stage within minutes and cardiac output may have a 70% increase. The body's surface response to heat leads to a 40% of decrease in pe-ripheral vascular resistance, thus allowing rapid peripheral blood flow which is responsible for greater heat dispersal directly from the skin. The chained physiological reactions of increased cardiac and pulmo-nary outputs, while blood pressure drops suggest that Sauna could be good for chronic diseases. When active stretching are executed simul-taneously with controlled breathing in a smooth synchronized chain of activities under the individual's free will, a harmonized state of mind reaching the level of meditation follows. Sauna room environment initi-ates a physiological stat equivalent to moderate exercises. Qigong practice is typical anaerobic training. Both Sauna and Qigong lead to a tranquility of the mind. The unique nature of practicing Qigong in a heat-ed environment is therefore clear. A small pilot study on Qigong prac-tice within the Sauna room showed a higher increase in heart rate which amounted to 30%-40% above the pre-exercise level. The blood pressure checked after Qigong, on the contrary, remained stable or even slightly decreased.