21-day Balneotherapy Improves Cardiopulmonary Function and Physical Capacity of Pilots

Authors: Xu L (1,2) , Shi R (3) , Wang B (4) , Geng J (2) , Zhou L (1) , Zhang Y (3) , Guo G (1) , Chen J (2) , Cao X (2) , Zhang S (4)

Affiliations:

(1) Department of Medical Affairs, Lintong Sanatorium of Lanzhou Military Region (2) Department of Aerospace Biodynamics, Fourth Military Medical University (3) Department of Health, Lanzhou Military Region (4) The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Education

Source: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 25 (2013) No. 1 January p. 109-112

Language: English Countries: China Location: Not specified Correspondence address: Not specified

Keywords

Article abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of balneotherapy on the cardiopulmonary function and physical capacity of pilots. [Subjects] Thirty-six healthy male pilots were recruited. [Methods] All subjects received entire-body immersion bath therapy in thermomineral water for 30 min a day for 21 days. Electrocardiograms, carotid pulse traces, and phonocardiograms were recorded using a cardiac function measuring device. Pulmonary function tests were performed using a Pony FX spirometer. The physical capacity of pilots was examined 1 day before and after balneotherapy. [Results] After 21 days of treatment, isovolumetric contraction time and the ratio of isovolumetric contraction time/left ventricular ejection time were reduced. Forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second/ forced expiratory volume and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% were elevated. The exercise numbers of pull-ups and sit-ups in 1 min were boosted. [Conclusion] The findings imply that balneotherapy for 21 days has a significant effect on the cardiopulmonary function and physical capacity of pilots.

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