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NCT Number: NCT07608913

Effect of Hot Spring Therapy on Cognitive Function Recovery During Altitude Training

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of hot spring bath therapy on cognitive function recovery, cerebral hemodynamics, and athletic performance in athletes undergoing altitude training. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a hot spring intervention group, a hot water control group, or a blank control group. The hot spring intervention group receives hot spring baths (38°C, 20 minutes) combined with altitude training; the hot water control group receives hot water baths (38°C, 20 minutes) combined with altitude training; and the blank control group receives standard recovery procedures combined with altitude training. Primary outcome measures include cognitive performance assessments (Stroop test, psychomotor vigilance test) and cerebral hemodynamic indicators (functional near-infrared spectroscopy, transcranial Doppler ultrasound). Secondary outcomes included exercise capacity (maximal oxygen uptake, triathlon performance, 500-meter test), blood lactate, and hematological parameters (white blood cells, neutrophils, platelets). These findings may provide evidence for non-pharmacological interventions to enhance cognitive recovery and brain adaptation during altitude training.

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Key information

Conditions

Altitude Training Adaptation Altitude Sickness Balneotherapy Cerebral Hemodynamics Cognitive Function Exercise Performance Hydrotherapy Hypoxia Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Respiration Disorders Respiratory Tract Diseases Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory

Age range

11 year–17 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male or female aged 11-17 years- Regular endurance training (≥3 sessions/week) for ≥2 years
  • No history of altitude exposure >2000m in the past 3 months
  • No contraindications to hot water immersion (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiovascular disease, open wounds, pregnancy)
  • Ability to provide written informed consent
  • Willingness to abstain from other recovery modalities (e.g., massage, cryotherapy, compression garments) during the study period
  • No color blindness or uncorrected visual impairment that would affect Stroop test performance

Exclusion criteria

  • History of cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, or endocrine disorders
  • Current use of medications affecting autonomic function or cognition (e.g., beta-blockers, anticholinergics, stimulants, sedatives)
  • History of syncope, heat intolerance, or neurological disorders
  • Acute musculoskeletal injury within the past 6 months- Regular use of sauna, hot tub, or spa within the past month- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (for female participants)
  • Shift work or trans-meridian travel within 2 weeks prior to baseline assessment- Alcohol consumption >14 units/week or smoking
  • History of traumatic brain injury, stroke, or psychiatric disorders

Treatment and study plan

Control Group：Natural Recovery

Behavioral

Control group participants will undergo the same altitude training protocol (altitude 1600 meters) for 4 weeks. After each training session, participants will receive standard recovery procedures, including 20 minutes of passive rest in a thermoneutral environment (room temperature 24°C), supplemented with mild hydration and self-selected stretching. No hydrothermal intervention will be provided.

Other names: NR

Hot water immersion group

Behavioral

The hot water immersion group will undergo a 4-week altitude training at 1600 meters above sea level. Subjects will receive a 20-minute hot water immersion (daily tap water, 38°C±1°C) in a standardized indoor hot spring facility. The immersion protocol includes whole-body immersion up to the neck for 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute rest before leaving the facility. Three times per week.

Other names: HWI

hot spring immersion group

Behavioral

The hot spring immersion group will undergo a 4-week high-altitude training at an altitude of 1600 meters. Subjects will receive a 20-minute hot spring therapy (natural hot spring water, 38°C ± 1°C) in a standardized indoor hot spring facility. The immersion protocol includes whole-body immersion to the neck for 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute rest before leaving the facility. Three times per week.

Other names: HSI

Primary outcomes

  1. Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT)

    Time frame: Baselines were measured at the formal start of the experiment, at night during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks (post-intervention) after ascending the plateau, and post-tests were conducted one week after descending the plateau.

    5-minute PVT measuring sustained attention and psychomotor vigilance. Outcome variables: mean reciprocal response time (1/RT). Administered via standardized software on a tablet/computer. Unit: second.

  2. Stroop Test Performance

    Time frame: Baselines were measured at the formal start of the experiment, at night during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks (post-intervention) after ascending the plateau, and post-tests were conducted one week after descending the plateau.

    Computerized Stroop Color-Word Test measuring executive function and cognitive inhibition. Outcome variables: reaction time (ms). Administered in a quiet, temperature-controlled room (22-24°C). Unit: milliseconds (ms).

  3. Cerebral Oxygenation (fNIRS)

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 2, Week 5

    Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR) in the prefrontal cortex during cognitive tasks, measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with a multichannel system. Outcome: relative changes in HbO and HbR concentrations. Unit: micromolar (μM).

  4. Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity (TCD)

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 2, Week 4

    Mean blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) with 2MHz probe. Measurements taken in supine position after 10 minutes of rest. Outcome: mean velocity (cm/s). Unit: centimeters/second (cm/s).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 5

    Maximal oxygen uptake measured using a portable metabolic analyzer during a graded exercise test on a rowing ergometer. Test protocol: incremental ramp test to exhaustion. Unit: mL/kg/min.

  2. 1000-Meter Running Test

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 3, Week4

    1000-meter maximal effort running test on a standard 400m track or treadmill. Total completion time recorded. Unit: seconds (s).

  3. Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)

    Time frame: one month.

    Resting peripheral oxygen saturation measured via fingertip pulse oximeter after 10 minutes of seated rest. Unit: percentage (%).

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Ziyue Ou, PHD

CONTACT

[email protected]

15626121623

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Macao Polytechnic University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of Balneotherapy on Cognitive Performance, Cerebral Hemodynamics, and Exercise Capacity in Healthy Adults Undergoing Simulated Altitude Training

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 27, 2026
Registry last updated
May 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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