Health · Medical Research · 3 hrs ago
A 30-Minute Hot Bath Lowered Blood Pressure More Than Cycling in a Small Study
Researchers at the University of Western Australia compared hot baths with cycling in 25 adults aged 45 to 70 with overweight or obesity.
Each person had two sessions, at least 72 hours apart: a 30-minute bath in 104°F (40°C) water and 30 minutes of moderate cycling.
The bath produced a larger immediate drop in blood pressure than cycling and led to greater increases in blood flow and the widening of small blood vessels beneath the skin.
Cycling caused a stronger rise in heart rate.
Hot water may affect blood vessels by heating the skin and raising the body’s overall temperature.
The results may offer another option for people who struggle to exercise, but the study was small and tested only one session.
Researchers say the findings do not show lasting benefits or mean baths should replace exercise.
A study of 25 adults with overweight or obesity found that a 30-minute hot bath lowered blood pressure more than 30 minutes of moderate cycling.
The bath also produced greater increases in blood vessel diameter, blood flow and blood flow velocity than cycling.
The participants were aged 45 to 70 and completed both sessions in random order, at least 72 hours apart.
Cycling produced a stronger heart rate response, while bathing caused a greater rise in core body temperature.
The study examined immediate effects from one session and did not establish whether regular hot baths lead to lasting health benefits.
- Who
- Researchers from the University of Western Australia studied 25 adults aged 45 to 70 with overweight or obesity.
- What
- The study compared the immediate effects of a 30-minute hot bath and 30 minutes of moderate cycling on blood vessels and blood pressure.
- When
- The study was published on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Researchers aimed to learn more about the immediate effect of hot water immersion on blood vessel function and compare it with moderate exercise.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Participants completed a 30-minute hot-water immersion and a 30-minute moderate cycling session in random order, with at least 72 hours between them.
Researchers found that bathing produced a larger reduction in blood pressure, while cycling produced a stronger heart rate response.
- Participants
- 25 adults with overweight or obesity
- Age range
- 45 to 70
- Hot bath
- 30 minutes in 104-degree-Fahrenheit water
- Comparison
- 30 minutes of moderate stationary cycling
- Study publication
- October 13, 2026
Sources
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