Increases in muscle temperature by hot water improve muscle contractile function and reduce motor unit discharge rates.

Increased core temperature evoked by 42°C hot-water immersion decreases MVC torque and VAL. However, a passive increase in muscle temperature improved muscle evoked contractile function (i.e., peak twitch torque and time to peak torque). Moreover, a passive increase in muscle temperature reduced the required MUDR to attain the same torque.