Cardiovascular autonomic modulation during passive heating protocols: a systematic review.
Felipe Castro FerreiraMichelle Cristina Salabert Vaz PadilhaTeresa Mell da Mota Silva RochaLigia Soares LimaAngelica CarandinaChiara BellocchiEleonora TobaldiniNicola MontanoPedro Paulo da Silva SoaresGabriel Dias RodriguesPublished in: Physiological measurement (2022)
Whole-body heat stress may increase sympathetic and reduce vagal modulation to the heart in healthy adults. On the other hand, local heating therapy and sauna bathing seem to increase cardiac vagal modulation, opposing sympathetic modulation. Nonetheless, further studies should investigate acute and chronic effects of thermal therapy on cardiovascular autonomic control.