Effects of the Water Fall Bath on Muscle Blood Flow, Muscle Hardness, Skin Blood Flow and Tympanic Temperature after Muscle Contraction in Humans / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

  The purpose of this study was to clarify effects of the water fall bath on muscle blood flow, muscle hardness at the shoulder and body temperature after muscle contraction in human.<BR>  The subjects of this study were eight young males (average 20.4years old). Blood flow and hardness in middle fiber of trapezius were measured using the monitor of spectroscopy and a handy battery-run device, skin blood flow rate using the laser doppler flowmetry, and tympanic temperature using the thermistor during control period 10 minutes, for five minutes during four conditions (40°C water fall bath, massage using the knocking machine, 40°C hot pack and rest) after muscle contraction and moreover 30 minutes. Subjects wore a swimming trunk while these experiments. The ambient temperature and relative humidity were set to 27°C, 42% in control room.<BR>  During the water fall bath, the muscle blood flow was tend to increased compared with after muscle contraction. The skin blood flow was increased and the muscle hardness was decreased significantly. During the massage, the skin blood flow was increased and the muscle hardness was decreased significantly. During the hot pack, the muscle hardness was decreased significantly. The tympanic temperature was no changed in three conditions except from the rest.<BR>  These findings suggest that water fall bath is lessened the muscle hardness causing increase of the muscle and the skin blood flows. Therefore, the water fall bath can use one of the method to relief muscle fatigue.