The six-week study will involve the vounteers sitting in a 40C hot tub for one hour, three times a week.
Scientists are on the hunt for volunteers to take part in a study to see if regularly using a hot tub can boost health. The University of Portsmouth team is looking for people aged 55 and over to take part in the six-week study, which involves sitting in a 40C hot tub for an hour, three times a week.
The researchers want to see if hot tub use can improve heart health, brain function, and muscle strength – and if it can bring benefits similar to exercise. Researcher Daniel Piccolo said: “Frequent exercise is known to significantly improve health but many people find it difficult to follow exercise routines.”
“Growing evidence suggests that passive heating, such as hot water immersion or saunas, can offer similar benefits, thanks to a rapid rise in body temperature. However, most research to date has focused on younger people, leaving questions about its impact on older adults. This study aims to determine if similar health benefits can be achieved in individuals aged 55 and older.”
The team will look at how the hot tub sessions affect things like heart health, brain power, muscle strength, balance, and walking ability.
Mr Piccolo explained that participants in the study will undergo non-invasive tests and provide blood samples to assess various biochemical markers linked to health. He added: “Participants should be generally healthy, without major cardiovascular or metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes.”
He also highlighted the potential benefits of the research, saying: “By expanding our understanding of passive heating, this study could offer a feasible and enjoyable alternative to exercise for older adults.”